WHY THE SUN AND THE MOON LIVE IN THE SKY

A simple creation-style story which features in African folklore from many regions. This retelling is based on a version from the Ibibio people in south-east Nigeria. Only an oral tradition with experience of floods, such as those in the River Niger basin, could have created such a story.

The sky above was grey and threatening. She sat and hugged her children close to her. They were starving. The palm trees were wilting and waterlogged. Her husband had gone for help several days ago, leaving his family in the small house on the hilltop with flood waters rising. Everything they could once see around them seemed to have been washed away – roads, bridges, cattle kraals, even the cattle themselves. So, because it was the only thing she could think of, she started to tell them another story. An old, old one. The sky was blue and friendly. Everybody and everything were friendly in those far off days at the beginning of the world. Man and Mouse, Hyena and Hippopotamus, Kudu and Crocodile, they all lived side by side without any problem. And so did Sun and Moon, though they lived in a special house of their own.

Sun and Moon were husband and wife. They enjoyed going out to visit their neighbours and they loved it when neighbours came to visit them. One of their favourite friends was Water. What a mysterious person to know – full of deep watery secrets. But one day, while visiting Water, it occurred to Sun that this was a one-sided friendship. I have been failing in hospitality,” he told his friend. “You have never been to visit me. ”From Water came a sad, bubbling sigh. “I am so much larger than you think. I could never fit inside your home.” “This thing is not possible,” Water insisted. “Think of all the creatures that live beneath my waves. I would not want to leave them behind.” “Invite them as well. What a party this is going to be! I shall hurry home and tell Moon to start making preparations at once.” Water was still giving every indication that it was not a good plan, but Sun was no longer listening. He was half-way home, dreaming up ideas of the new palatial house he was about to build. Impulsive, he was – hot-headed. Soon it was happening. High walls, arching palm tree beams, a vast thatched roof of palm leaves. Impressive to behold! The dust had hardly settled when Sun was back on the rippling edge of Water’s abode. He was beaming with pleasure. “All is ready for you!” he cried. “When will you be visiting us?” Water again tried to emphasize that this was not a wise idea. Again, Sun wouldn’t listen. “Tomorrow, then. Please come in time for lunch. Bring your friends with you.” “Then I shall build a larger house,” said Sun The next day came. Sun and Moon were so busy with preparations that they didn’t notice how the sky had become darker. Water was on his way. Moon felt anxious but Sun rushed to open the gate. He need not have bothered, because Water was already lapping its way through the fence and up the path. “Welcome!” said Sun warmly, though Moon wondered about her new carpets. Water was now surrounding the house and starting to dribble over the doorstep. “You are very kind,” said Water, “but I think this is far enough.” Seaweed had already covered the flower-beds and crabs were climbing the walls. “It is a little awkward,” agreed Moon, lifting herself on to the largest chair because the whole floor was wet. “How can I be a hospitable host if I leave my guest half-way outside? Come in, my friend Water. Come in.” So Water did not argue. He flowed his way inside. Jellyfish were finishing what was left of the lunch and anemones waved their pretty feelers on the window-sill. “You don’t realise ...” “No more excuses,” said Sun from the top of a cupboard. “This is a large house. There’s plenty of room.” With a heavy sucking sound, Water poured in over everything. The sharp fins of sharks could be seen through the windows. More and more of Water, until the waves rose and covered the house completely. Sun and Moon took refuge on the roof, but only for a short while. Soon the roof too was soaking, then falling to pieces and floating away. What else could they do? Sun and Moon went up into the sky. And they have been there – ever since.

“Look!” said a child.

A boat was coming towards them and in it a man was waving to his family. Perhaps, like the Sun and the Moon, they would be survivors.