In many African oral traditions, folktales serve as a way to explain natural phenomena and teach moral lessons. One well-known story is "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears."

The Story

Long ago, the mosquito was a boastful creature. One day, it approached a small ear and whispered, "Did you know that I once saw a snake swallow an elephant whole?" The ear, knowing that this was a ridiculous lie, laughed and ignored the mosquito.

Feeling embarrassed, the mosquito became determined to prove its importance. From that day on, it never stopped buzzing in people's ears, trying to get their attention. However, instead of listening, people grew annoyed and swatted the mosquito away.

Moral and Meaning

This folktale, often told among the Yoruba and other African communities, serves as a cautionary tale about lying and exaggeration. It suggests that those who deceive will always struggle to be taken seriously. The story also humorously explains why mosquitoes are constantly buzzing around our ears.

Beyond the folktale, in scientific reality, mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide and body heat humans emit, which is why they hover near faces and ears.