Ethiopian Folktales

Narrated by Worku Mersha

There was somebody called Kenjazmach^{Kenjazmach (or Qegnazmach) is a title meaning the commander of the right wing of an army.} Sewnate who lived in Debre Marcos, capital of Gojjam^{Formerly a province in north-western Ethiopia.}. He used to enjoy tej^{An alcoholic drink made with honey; similar to mead.}, and he sold his land.

When asked why he sold his land, he said, “I shall eat the fruit of the land before the land eats me.”

And he sold a eucalyptus^{Emperor Menelik, who ruled from 1889 to 1913, introduced the eucalyptus tree to Ethiopia from Australia at the end of the nineteenth century. Its quick growth, and suitability for firewood and building material ensured its rapid spread through much of Ethiopia.} tree before it was full grown.

When asked why, he said, “I don’t want to get thin while it’s getting thick.”