Why Humans Have No Tails – A Tale of Sacrifice and Leadership
Long, long ago, the world was not quite as we know it today. In those ancient times, humans walked on all fours and had tails—just like all other animals. They lived harmoniously in a vast land shared with the rest of the animal kingdom. There were no cities, no tribes, no rulers. All creatures coexisted in a giant, peaceful compound deep in nature’s heart.
Life was simple, and everyone fended for themselves, yet shared what they could. There were no rules or rulers, no courts or kings—only an unspoken bond of cooperation. However, as time passed, a shadow of disorder began to grow. Some animals began to misbehave, ignoring the common good and doing whatever they pleased. Since there were no laws or leaders to hold them accountable, their actions went unpunished. Chaos began to creep into their once peaceful world.
Recognizing the need for order, the animals gathered one evening under the great baobab tree for an urgent meeting.
“I suggest we crown Cheetah as king,” said Reindeer. “He is the fastest among us. A leader must be swift to respond.”
“Nonsense,” snorted Horse. “Lion is the rightful king. His presence alone commands respect.”
“Giraffe should be our king,” bellowed Rhinoceros. “He can see danger from miles away. We need a watchful protector.”
Back and forth they argued—each promoting their own favorite—until the moon rose high and sleep called them to rest. They agreed to reconvene the next morning to decide once and for all.
But at dawn, a terrible event cast a gloom over their hopeful plans. Elephant, the kindest and most beloved among them, had fallen gravely ill. The animals were shaken. Elephant had always shared his food and offered help to others. Now, his strength waned, and none of their remedies worked.
Out of desperation, they made a promise: Whoever could cure Elephant would be crowned king.
Lion crushed leaves and roots into a bitter paste. Zebra concocted a maize-and-cream brew. Pig offered rare red pills passed down from his ancestors. But nothing worked. Days turned into weeks, and Elephant’s condition worsened.
Meanwhile, Man had quietly embarked on a journey. He had heard of a powerful sorcerer who lived in a twisted, ancient tree far beyond the rivers and mountains. For seven long days and nights, he traveled, driven by hope and loyalty.
When Man finally arrived, he found the sorcerer—so tall that only the great black boots at his feet were visible.
“What do you want?” the sorcerer growled, his voice echoing through the forest.
“Please, mighty one,” Man pleaded. “My friend Elephant is dying. You are our last hope.”
The sorcerer paused. “I may help you—but on one condition.”
“Name it,” said Man. “I will do anything.”
“I am tired of being tall,” said the sorcerer. “The sun burns my eyes. I cannot see what lies beneath my feet. I wish to be closer to the earth. Let us switch forms—you will walk upright, and I shall walk on all fours like you.”
Man hesitated only a moment. “Deal,” he said.
In a flash of light, their forms were swapped. Man now stood tall, upright like a tree, while the sorcerer took on the posture and tail of the animals. The sorcerer handed Man a small packet of shimmering powder. “Mix this with water,” he instructed. “Give it to the elephant, and he shall be healed.”
Man rushed back to the compound, fearing he might be too late. But to his relief, Elephant still breathed—barely. Without delay, Man mixed the powder in a bowl of water and held it to Elephant’s trunk. The great beast drank slowly.
Moments later, color returned to Elephant’s face. He stood tall, trumpeting joyfully and hugging Man with his mighty trunk.
“You saved my life!” he exclaimed. “You have saved me!”
The animals cheered. They listened in awe as Man explained the sacrifice he had made, trading his form to save a friend. Now he stood tall, without a tail, unlike any of them.
“Let us crown him king!” cried Squirrel.
“Yes!” agreed Panther. “He is brave, selfless, and wise!”
So, Man was crowned the King of the Animals.
“He looks like a real king,” said Jackal. “His upright stance makes him easy to follow. But I propose we remove his tail to further mark him as a ruler—separate from the rest of us.”
The others agreed. And so, Man’s tail was ceremoniously removed, making him truly distinct among the creatures of the earth.
And that, dear reader, is why humans walk upright—and why we have no tails to this day.
Moral of the Story
True leadership is born not from strength or speed, but from sacrifice, compassion, and the courage to act when others hesitate.
