This myth explains why the water-snake lacks venom. The Python mother distributed poison to her snake offspring, enabling them to protect themselves. However, the water-snake, distracted by fishing, missed her summons. Upon returning late, he was denied poison due to his disobedience. Consequently, the water-snake’s bite is harmless, and he is neither feared nor avoided, serving as a lesson on the consequences of neglecting responsibility.
Source
Among Congo Cannibals
by John H. Weeks
Seeley, Service & Co.,London, 1913
► Themes of the story
Origin of Things: It provides an explanation for a natural phenomenon—the harmlessness of the water-snake’s bite.
Conflict with Authority: The water-snake’s disregard for his mother’s summons leads to negative consequences, highlighting the repercussions of defying authority.
Cultural Heroes: The Python mother serves as a foundational figure who imparts wisdom and enforces societal norms.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Bantu peoples
When the Python had given birth to all the snakes she said to them: “You have no poison now, but another day I will call you, and give to each of you a proper share of poison.” After a time the day arrived, and the Python called all her children to receive the promised gift. The green snake, the viper, the whip-snake, the diamond-headed snake all arrived, and each received his share of the poison so as to defend himself from his enemies. Wherever these snakes went on a journey everybody jumped out of their way, for if they did not they were bitten and suffered much pain.
► Continue reading…
The Water-snake, however, instead of obeying his mother’s call, went off to the river to fish. By and by he became tired of fishing, and thought he would go and hear what his mother the Python wanted.
As he went he met the other snakes returning, and heard that they had received their gifts from their mother. On his arrival he asked her for his share of the poison.
But the Python said: “No, I called you, and instead of coming you went fishing, so now you have lost your share of the poison through disobedience.”
That is why the Water-snake is only laughed at when he bites, and no one thinks of moving out of his way, for he has no poison through disregarding his mother’s call.
Running and expanding this site requires resources: from maintaining our digital platform to sourcing and curating new content. With your help, we can grow our collection, improve accessibility, and bring these incredible narratives to an even wider audience. Your sponsorship enables us to keep the world’s stories alive and thriving. ♦ Visit our Support page
Dreamtime Whispers 