The Tortoise & the Deer

When the tortoise challenges the swift-footed deer to a race along the river, the deer can hardly believe his luck — for surely no creature so slow could ever outrun him. But the tortoise has spent the evening before the race making some very particular arrangements among his relations. A tale of speed outwitted by wit, told with mischief and a smile.

A traditional tale from the Tapoia people of the middle Amazon, in northern Brazil.

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 The World Story Bank is an initiative of the Scheherazade Foundation, gathering the folktales of the world, protecting them, and rewilding them back into modern culture. To hear more and support our work, visit https://www.sf.charity/world-story-bank