In this African folktale, we meet Tunga, a hunter blessed with a family and plenty of food. Instead of saving for the future, Tunga insists on enjoying his catch all at once. His decision backfires, and soon he’s left with nothing but a single squirrel caught in his trap.

When the squirrel pleads for its life, promising future help, Tunga reluctantly lets it go. His wife, however, angry about their hunger, leaves with their baby. Determined to win her back, Tunga sets out with palm wine but encounters strange and dangerous beings—a head-shaped imp and a leopard who threatens to eat him. Just when it seems all is lost, the little squirrel returns, bravely scaring off the leopard and later outsmarting the imps who demanded half of Tunga’s wife.

In the end, Tunga realizes that his single act of kindness and mercy saved not only himself but also his family.

https://mythopia.io/tagged/553/congolese-folktales