Snake and Hunter

Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.

“Surinam Folk-Tales” by A. P. and T. E. Penard, from The Journal of American Folklore, Vol XXX, 1917.

Er tin tin, there was a big fire in the wood. All the trees were in flames, and nearly all the animals were burned to death. To escape the terrible heat, Snake lowered himself into a deep hole. The fire raged fiercely for a long time, but was at last extinguished by a heavy rain. When all the danger was past, Snake attempted to climb out of the hole, but, try as he would, he could not scale the steep sides. He begged every one who passed to help him; but nobody dared to give him assistance, for fear of his deadly bite.

Well, at last Hunter came along. He took pity on Snake and pulled him out. But as soon as Snake was free, he turned upon Hunter with the intention of biting him. “You must not bite me after my kind act,” said Hunter, warding him off. “And why shouldn’t I bite you?’ asked Snake. “Because,” explained Hunter, “you should not do harm to him who has shown you an act of kindness.”—”But I am sure that everybody does,” hissed Snake. “You know the saying. ‘Boen no habi tangi.” [A common proverb; literally, “Good has no thanks.”]—”Very well,” proposed Hunter, “let us put the case before a competent judge!” Snake agreed, so together they started for the city.

On the way they met first Horse, next Ass, then Cow. To each of these Hunter and Snake told their story, and to each they put the question, “Ought any one to return Evil for Good?” Horse neighed, saying that he was usually whipped for his good services to man. Ass hee-hawed, saying that he beaten with a stick for his good services to man. Cow bellowed that she expected to be slaughtered for her good services to man. Snake then claimed that he had won the case, and lifted his head to strike Hunter; but Hunter said, “I don’t agree yet; let us put the case before Anansi, who is very wise!” Snake agreed, and so they continued on their way.

Well, they came to the city where Anansi dwelled, and so it happened that they found him at home. They told Anansi how Snake had let himself down into a deep hole to escape the terrible fire that was raging in the wood; how he had begged everybody who passed for assistance; how Hunter had helped him out of the hole; and how Snake had then tried to bite Hunter. They also told Anansi how they had met Horse, Ass, and Cow, and how each of them had told them that “Tangi foe boen na kodja.” [A common proverb; literally, “Thanks for good is the cudgel.”] And so they had come to Anansi, who was very wise, that he might settle the dispute fairly.

Anansi looked thoughtful, and shaking his head, said, “My friends, I cannot say who is right until I have seen with my own eyes how everything happened. Let us go back to the exact spot.”

Well, then all three walked back to the hole in the wood out of which Hunter had helped Snake, and Anansi asked them to act out everything just exactly as it had happened. So Snake slid down into the hole and began calling for assistance. Hunter pretended to be passing, and, turning to the hole, was about to help Snake out again, when Anansi stopped him, saying, “Wait, I will settle the dispute now. Hunter must not help Snake this time. Snake must try to get out without any assistance, so that he may learn to appreciate a kind act.” Snake was obliged to remain in the hole, and he suffered much from hunger. At last, after many unsuccessful attempts, he managed to get out. But experience had been a good master, and Snake had learned his lesson well.

Well, it came to pass that some time later Hunter was caught poaching in the king’s woods and was thrown in prison. Snake heard of it and made up his mind to help Hunter, so he hastened to the king’s palace. Unobserved he approached the king. When he saw a good chance, he suddenly bit the king, and succeeded in making his escape before any one could catch him.

Then he made his way to the prison in which Hunter was confined, and found a way to enter it. He calmed Hunter’s fears, and said, “A while ago you did me a favor, and now by experience I have learned to appreciate it. I come to aid you. Listen! I have just bitten the king, and he is very sick from the effects of the poison; in fact; he is on the point of dying. I bring you the only remedy for my deadly bite. It is known to me alone. Send word to the king that you can cure him, but that you will not do so unless he promises to give you his only daughter in marriage.” So saying, Snake gave Hunter the remedy, consisting of three different kinds of leaves, and then he departed.

Hunter did as Snake advised him. He sent word saying that he could cure the king, and asked as reward his release from prison and the king’s daughter in marriage. Fearing death, the king consented, and allowed Hunter to try the remedy. The king was quickly restored to health. Hunter married the princess, and the teller of this tale was present at the wedding.

Penard, A. P., and T. E. Penard. “Surinam Folk-Tales” from The Journal of American Folklore. Edited by Franz Boas, XXX, American Folk-Lore Society, 1917.

A. P. and T. E. Penard

World Mythology

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