Rabbit
The
rabbit or hare is a trickster around the world. Because of his small
size he must use his cunning to outwit the larger opponents. Rabbit
tales are humorous tales that are repeated to not only to entertain but
to instruct, as Rabbit gains his wisdom through his wit.
Zomo the Rabbit as he is known in Nigeria becomes Brer Rabbit in the United States, Cunny Rabbit and Compere Lapin in the Carribbean area of the Western Hemisphere.
Sometimes Rabbit bargains with larger animals for protection and uses his wit and courage to survive. These tales give encouragement to children to be brave and persevere when all seem larger and more powerful than them. In a famous pourquoi story from the Kickapoo and Shawnee nations, Rabbit is running through the field, when Bobcat sneaks up behind him. Rabbit jumps inside a hollow log but finds he is trapped. Rabbit scrambles for a way to escape. Rabbit says he gives up, and Bobcat should build a fire because Rabbit is proud and wants to be the best dinner ever. When the fire is built up, Rabbit tosses out two acorns, one after another, telling Bobcat they are his eyes, and they’ve popped out from the heat. When Bobcat turns to find them, Rabbit kicks hot ash on Bobcat and burns his fur and that’s how Bobcat has his spots. Can’t you just see this as a modern Bugs Bunny tale with the hunter, Elmer Fudd?
Zomo the Rabbit as he is known in Nigeria becomes Brer Rabbit in the United States, Cunny Rabbit and Compere Lapin in the Carribbean area of the Western Hemisphere.
Zomo wants to marry but has to clear a large expanse of land before he can do so. Above all, Zomo is lazy and always looks for a way out of labor. He finds Hippo at the side of a river and challenges him to a battle of strength. Zomo hands a rope to Hippo. When Zomo tells him to, Hippo is to pull with all his might to see who is stronger, Zomo or Hippo. Zomo pulls the rope through the field and finds Elephant. He makes the same challenge to Elephant. When Zomo says, “go�, of course, he is not holding either end, and the rope sways back and forth clearing the field. With the work all done, Zomo “gives up�, declaring the other the stronger. Both Elephant and Hippo leave feeling good about themselves that they beat Zomo. Zomo went home to claim his bride.
Sometimes Rabbit bargains with larger animals for protection and uses his wit and courage to survive. These tales give encouragement to children to be brave and persevere when all seem larger and more powerful than them. In a famous pourquoi story from the Kickapoo and Shawnee nations, Rabbit is running through the field, when Bobcat sneaks up behind him. Rabbit jumps inside a hollow log but finds he is trapped. Rabbit scrambles for a way to escape. Rabbit says he gives up, and Bobcat should build a fire because Rabbit is proud and wants to be the best dinner ever. When the fire is built up, Rabbit tosses out two acorns, one after another, telling Bobcat they are his eyes, and they’ve popped out from the heat. When Bobcat turns to find them, Rabbit kicks hot ash on Bobcat and burns his fur and that’s how Bobcat has his spots. Can’t you just see this as a modern Bugs Bunny tale with the hunter, Elmer Fudd?