Zambia Philately: 1979 International Year of the Child – 42n How The Tortoise Got His Shell

Once upon a time the Tortoise had no shell. He was an advisor to the Chief and boasted that he was the wisest of all councillors. Growing tired of his conceit, the Chief told Tortoise to go to the border of the kingdom and spy out an enemy’s position. Jackal looked at Tortoise and said, “If you are so wonderful, you must fly over the enemy lines.” “Of course I can,” said Tortoise. He went to his friend, Fish eagle, who agreed to fly him over the border. Tortoise climbed onto the bird’s back and they flew low over the Chief’s court. Everyone came out to watch and a young girl cried out, “Tortoise is wisest of all!” Tortoise heard her and was so puffed up with pride that he fell off Fish Eagle’s back and broke his bones on the rocks below. The Chief, having seen the flight, was so impressed with Tortoise’s resourcefulness that he ordered the witch doctor to mend the bones and also to give Tortoise a thick shell to protect him forever.