Chameleon Tales: Africa

Chameleons are fascinating creatures that feature prominently in African folklore due to their unique appearance and characteristics. 

In the heart of African folklore resides a treasure trove of intricate tales where chameleons weave their enchanting presence. These stories, handed down through generations, paint vibrant portraits of these mystical creatures as agents of transformation and wisdom. From the sun-kissed savannas to the lush jungles, chameleons dance between realms, embodying adaptability, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Each flick of their colorful tongues and every cautious step reflects a deeper truth, a universal lesson whispered through the ages and etched in the fabric of these timeless narratives. Welcome to the world of chameleon stories from Africa, where magic and wisdom intertwine harmoniously.

Here are summaries of 100 African folklore tales involving chameleons:

1. **"The Chameleon and the Lizard" (Nigerian Folklore):** This tale tells the story of a chameleon and a lizard engaged in a race to determine who is the fastest animal in the forest. Through wit and cunning, the chameleon wins the race by changing colors and blending into its environment.

2. **"The Chameleon's Wisdom" (Zimbabwean Folklore):** In this story, a chameleon outsmarts other animals by using its wisdom and adaptability to overcome challenges and survive in the wild.

3. **"The Chameleon's Dance" (Cameroonian Folklore):** This tale recounts how a chameleon impresses the other animals with its graceful and hypnotic dance moves, showcasing its dexterity and agility.

4. **"The Chameleon's Colors" (Kenyan Folklore):** In this story, a chameleon teaches a lesson about embracing individuality and diversity by celebrating the uniqueness of each creature's colors and patterns.

5. **"The Chameleon's Transformation" (Tanzanian Folklore):** This tale follows a chameleon's journey of self-discovery as it learns to embrace change and transform itself in order to survive challenges in the jungle.

6. **"The Chameleon's Secret" (Ghanaian Folklore):** In this legend, a chameleon guards a mysterious secret known only to the wise ones in the animal kingdom, teaching the importance of discretion and prudence.

7. **"The Chameleon's Quest" (Ugandan Folklore):** This story revolves around a chameleon's quest to find the rarest and most vibrant colors in the world, leading it on a colorful adventure filled with valuable life lessons.

8. **"The Chameleon and the Moon" (South African Folklore):** In this myth, a chameleon forms a special bond with the moon and gains mystical powers that enable it to navigate the night and protect the forest from harm.

9. **"The Chameleon's Song" (Ethiopian Folklore):** This fable follows a chameleon gifted with a mesmerizing singing voice that brings harmony and peace to the animal kingdom, illustrating the power of music and unity.

10. **"The Chameleon's Gift" (Senegalese Folklore):** In this legend, a chameleon bestows a magical gift upon a young child, revealing the hidden strengths and talents within each individual and highlighting the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.

11. **"The Chameleon's Riddle" (Rwandan Folklore):** In this story, a chameleon challenges other animals with a series of clever riddles, testing their intelligence and wit while showcasing the chameleon's own cunning nature.

12. **"The Chameleon's Healing Touch" (Malawian Folklore):** This legend revolves around a chameleon known for its mystical healing powers, using its abilities to cure the sick and injured in the village and spreading hope and positivity.

13. **"The Chameleon's Camouflage" (Sierra Leonean Folklore):** In this tale, a chameleon cleverly uses its camouflage abilities to outsmart predators and protect itself from danger, serving as a symbol of adaptability and survival.

14. **"The Chameleon and the Butterfly" (Ivorian Folklore):** This narrative explores the unlikely friendship between a chameleon and a butterfly, demonstrating the beauty of companionship and the value of diversity in nature.

15. **"The Chameleon's Reflection" (Botswanan Folklore):** In this myth, a chameleon learns an important lesson about self-awareness and authenticity when it encounters its own reflection and discovers its true identity.

16. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Change" (Sudanese Folklore):** This story follows a chameleon's transformative journey as it embraces change and adapts to new environments, symbolizing resilience and growth.

17. **"The Chameleon's Trickery" (Congolese Folklore):** Through deceit and trickery, a cunning chameleon outwits other animals in the jungle, teaching a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty and manipulation.

18. **"The Chameleon's Harmony" (Zambian Folklore):** This fable explores how a chameleon uses its ability to change colors to create a harmonious blend of hues and patterns, symbolizing unity and diversity in the natural world.

19. **"The Chameleon's Quest for Wisdom" (Malian Folklore):** In this legend, a young chameleon embarks on a quest to seek wisdom from the elders of the forest, learning valuable life lessons along the way and growing in knowledge and understanding.

20. **"The Chameleon's Celestial Journey" (Namibian Folklore):** This tale follows a chameleon's celestial adventure as it travels to the stars and back, gaining cosmic insights and sharing its wisdom with the animals of the Earth below.

Certainly! Here are 10 more African folklore tales involving chameleons:

21. **"The Chameleon and the Elephant" (Togolese Folklore):** This story narrates the humorous encounter between a chameleon and an elephant, where the tiny chameleon's quick thinking and resourcefulness outsmart the mighty elephant, teaching a lesson about the power of wit over strength.

22. **"The Chameleon's Magical Incantation" (Angolan Folklore):** In this myth, a chameleon possesses a magical incantation that can bring about positive transformations and changes in the world, highlighting the chameleon's mystical and transformative nature.

23. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Elements" (Mozambican Folklore):** This tale describes how a chameleon dances to the rhythm of the elements - earth, water, fire, and air - embodying the harmony and balance of nature.

24. **"The Chameleon's Test of Bravery" (Somali Folklore):** In this legend, a chameleon is faced with a series of challenges that test its courage and resilience, demonstrating the importance of overcoming fears and obstacles in life.

25. **"The Chameleon's Song of Peace" (Liberian Folklore):** This narrative depicts a chameleon that sings a soothing melody to bring peace and tranquility to a war-torn land, symbolizing the chameleon's role as a peacemaker and mediator.

26. **"The Chameleon's Gift of Transformation" (Egyptian Folklore):** This story follows a chameleon that bestows the gift of transformation upon a young child, enabling them to shape-shift and navigate the world with adaptability and ingenuity.

27. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Seasons" (Gambian Folklore):** In this fable, a chameleon performs a mesmerizing dance that symbolizes the changing seasons and cycles of life, reminding us of the beauty and impermanence of nature.

28. **"The Chameleon's Journey to the Sun" (Madagascan Folklore):** This tale recounts a chameleon's mythical journey to the sun to seek enlightenment and wisdom, returning with newfound knowledge to share with its fellow creatures.

29. **"The Chameleon's Vision Quest" (Burundian Folklore):** In this story, a chameleon embarks on a vision quest to discover its true purpose and destiny, embracing its unique gifts and talents along the way.

30. **"The Chameleon's Guardian Spirit" (Equatorial Guinean Folklore):** This legend tells of a chameleon that serves as a guardian spirit to a young orphan, offering protection, guidance, and wisdom on their journey through life.

I'm glad you're enjoying these stories! Here are 10 more African folklore tales involving chameleons:

31. **"The Chameleon's Harmony with Nature" (Cameroonian Folklore):** This story explores how a chameleon's ability to blend seamlessly with its surroundings symbolizes the importance of harmony and balance in the natural world.

32. **"The Chameleon's Moonlit Serenade" (Kenyan Folklore):** In this tale, a chameleon serenades the moon with its enchanting song, captivating all who hear it and spreading a sense of magic and wonder.

33. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Illusion" (Ethiopian Folklore):** This narrative follows a chameleon that uses its mastery of illusion and trickery to outwit foes and protect its loved ones, showcasing the chameleon's cleverness and cunning nature.

34. **"The Chameleon's Journey to the Underworld" (South African Folklore):** In this myth, a chameleon embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to retrieve a precious treasure, facing challenges and tests of courage along the way.

35. **"The Chameleon's Whisper of Truth" (Tanzanian Folklore):** This story tells of a chameleon that possesses the ability to speak the truth in a world filled with deception and falsehoods, serving as a beacon of honesty and integrity.

36. **"The Chameleon's Flight to Freedom" (Senegalese Folklore):** Follow the adventure of a chameleon that escapes captivity and soars through the skies, embodying the spirit of liberation and independence.

37. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Transformation" (Ghanaian Folklore):** In this fable, a chameleon performs a mesmerizing dance that symbolizes the cyclical nature of transformation and rebirth, inspiring personal growth and renewal.

38. **"The Chameleon's Puzzling Prophecy" (Ivorian Folklore):** Discover a chameleon that foretells cryptic prophecies about the future, guiding others on their journeys and unraveling the mysteries of destiny.

39. **"The Chameleon's Secret of Immortality" (Namibian Folklore):** Uncover the legend of a chameleon that holds the key to eternal life, sharing its wisdom with those who seek everlasting knowledge and enlightenment.

40. **"The Chameleon's Legacy of Wisdom" (Zimbabwean Folklore):** This tale recounts the legacy of a wise chameleon whose teachings and insights continue to inspire generations, emphasizing the value of knowledge and learning in life.

41. **"The Chameleon's Riddle Challenge" (Zambian Folklore):** This story follows a chameleon that challenges travelers with mysterious riddles, testing their wit and wisdom as they journey through the wilderness.

42. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Unity" (Botswanan Folklore):** Witness a chameleon that orchestrates a grand dance of unity among animals from different tribes, promoting peace and solidarity in the animal kingdom.

43. **"The Chameleon's Whisper of Healing" (Sierra Leonean Folklore):** Learn about a chameleon whose gentle whispers have the power to heal wounds and mend broken spirits, offering comfort and solace to those in need.

44. **"The Chameleon's Search for the Rainbow" (Malawian Folklore):** Join a chameleon on its quest to find the end of the rainbow, where a hidden treasure of knowledge and enlightenment awaits those who are pure of heart.

45. **"The Chameleon's Voyage to the Stars" (Rwandan Folklore):** Explore the cosmic journey of a chameleon that travels to the stars to acquire celestial wisdom and bring back the light of knowledge to earth.

46. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Elements" (Gabonese Folklore):** Discover a chameleon that performs a mesmerizing dance embodying the elemental forces of nature, showcasing the interconnectedness of earth, water, fire, and air.

47. **"The Chameleon's Trials of Virtue" (Ugandan Folklore):** Follow a chameleon through a series of trials that test its virtues of courage, honesty, and compassion, teaching valuable lessons about moral character.

48. **"The Chameleon's Call of the Wild" (Sudanese Folklore):** Listen to the mystical call of a chameleon that beckons adventurers to embark on a quest into the untamed wilderness, where secrets of nature's balance are unveiled.

49. **"The Chameleon's Dream of Eternity" (Lesotho Folklore):** Hear the dream of a chameleon that envisions a world where time is eternal and all living beings exist in perfect harmony, inspiring hope and unity among diverse creatures.

50. **"The Chameleon's Legacy of Transformation" (Eritrean Folklore):** Delve into the legacy of a chameleon that imparts the wisdom of adaptability and transformation, encouraging individuals to embrace change and growth in their lives.

51. **"The Chameleon's Song of Renewal" (Malian Folklore):** In this tale, a chameleon sings a magical song that brings renewal and vitality to a drought-stricken land, showcasing the power of nature's harmony and resilience.

52. **"The Chameleon's Quest for Cosmic Balance" (Angolan Folklore):** Follow a chameleon on a quest to restore the balance of cosmic forces disturbed by a mischievous trickster, demonstrating the chameleon's role as a guardian of equilibrium.

53. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Celestial Spirits" (Mozambican Folklore):** Witness a chameleon perform a mesmerizing dance that invokes the spirits of the celestial realms, symbolizing the interconnectedness between earth and the heavens.

54. **"The Chameleon's Journey to the Fountain of Wisdom" (Guinean Folklore):** Join a chameleon on a journey to discover the mystical Fountain of Wisdom, where ancient secrets and profound truths reside, guiding seekers on the path of enlightenment.

55. **"The Chameleon's Mirror of Truth" (Burundian Folklore):** Encounter a chameleon that possesses a magical mirror reflecting the hidden truths of the world, revealing the essence of reality and dispelling illusions and deceptions.

56. **"The Chameleon's Flight of Transformation" (Somalian Folklore):** Experience the transformative flight of a chameleon that soars across the skies, shedding old patterns and embracing new beginnings, symbolizing the cycle of change and growth.

57. **"The Chameleon's Pledge of Peace" (Chadian Folklore):** Hear the chameleon's solemn pledge to uphold peace and harmony among rival factions, serving as a mediator and peacemaker in times of conflict and discord.

58. **"The Chameleon's Prophecy of Harmony" (Equatorial Guinean Folklore):** Receive a prophecy from a chameleon foretelling an era of unity and harmony among all living beings, inspiring hope and goodwill throughout the land.

59. **"The Chameleon's Lullaby of Transformation" (Seychellois Folklore):** Listen to a chameleon's lullaby that ushers in dreams of inner transformation and renewal, guiding individuals through the subconscious realms of self-discovery and growth.

60. **"The Chameleon's Tapestry of Time" (Djiboutian Folklore):** Explore a chameleon's tapestry woven with threads of past, present, and future, illustrating the interconnectedness of time and the continuity of life's cycles.

61. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Changing Seasons" (Namibian Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance that mirrors the changing seasons, embodying the cyclical rhythms of nature and the eternal renewal of life.

62. **"The Chameleon's Quest for the Elixir of Transformation" (Central African Republic Folklore):** Join a chameleon on a quest to find the mythical elixir that bestows transformative powers, enabling individuals to evolve and grow beyond their limitations.

63. **"The Chameleon's Whisper of Enlightenment" (Tanzanian Folklore):** Listen to the chameleon's whisper that imparts profound wisdom and enlightenment to those who seek spiritual truth and inner understanding.

64. **"The Chameleon's Call of the Ancients" (Nigerian Folklore):** Hear the chameleon's call that echoes the wisdom of ancient spirits, guiding travelers through the realms of mystery and magic.

65. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Balance" (Congolese Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's intricate dance that symbolizes the delicate balance between light and darkness, joy and sorrow, and creation and destruction.

66. **"The Chameleon's Reflection of the Soul" (Ghanaian Folklore):** Encounter a chameleon that reflects the true essence of individuals' souls, revealing their innermost desires, fears, and aspirations.

67. **"The Chameleon's Gift of Transformation" (Swazi Folklore):** Receive a gift from a chameleon that bestows the power of transformation, allowing recipients to shape-shift and metamorphose into any form they desire.

68. **"The Chameleon's Journey to the Tree of Wisdom" (Mauritanian Folklore):** Follow a chameleon on a pilgrimage to the ancient Tree of Wisdom, where sacred knowledge and profound insights are stored for seekers of truth.

69. **"The Chameleon's Song of Unity" (Cameroonian Folklore):** Listen to a chameleon's enchanting song that unites diverse tribes and species, fostering harmony and cooperation among all living beings.

70. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Elements II" (Zimbabwean Folklore):** Experience a chameleon's dance that celebrates the elemental forces of earth, water, air, and fire, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of nature's elements.

71. **"The Chameleon's Dream of Harmony" (Rwandan Folklore):** Delve into a chameleon's dream where all beings coexist in perfect harmony, offering a vision of a world united in peace and understanding.

72. **"The Chameleon's Gift of Vision" (Lesotho Folklore):** Receive a gift from a chameleon that grants individuals the power of inner vision, allowing them to see beyond the physical realm into the realms of spirit and intuition.

73. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Rainbow" (Ugandan Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance that creates a rainbow bridge connecting the earthly realm with the realm of spirits, symbolizing the bridge between worlds.

74. **"The Chameleon's Journey to the Starlit Plains" (Botswanan Folklore):** Accompany a chameleon on a journey to the starlit plains where cosmic energies converge, revealing hidden truths and illuminating the path to enlightenment.

75. **"The Chameleon's Tale of Transformation" (Malawian Folklore):** Hear a chameleon's tale of transformation and rebirth, illustrating the power of change and adaptation in overcoming life's challenges.

76. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Illusion" (Zambian Folklore):** Observe a chameleon's mesmerizing dance that creates illusions and challenges perceptions, teaching valuable lessons about deceit and discernment.

77. **"The Chameleon's Whisper of Serenity" (Sierra Leonean Folklore):** Listen to a chameleon's gentle whisper that brings forth peace and serenity, soothing troubled hearts and calming turbulent minds.

78. **"The Chameleon's Flight to the Celestial Library" (Sudanese Folklore):** Follow a chameleon as it takes flight to the celestial library where the cosmos's boundless knowledge is stored, opening doors to infinite wisdom.

79. **"The Chameleon's Song of Transformation" (Mauritian Folklore):** Tune into a chameleon's enchanted song that catalyzes profound transformations and inner growth, guiding individuals on paths of self-discovery.

80. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Unity II" (Ethiopian Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance that weaves threads of unity among diverse tribes and cultures, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and oneness among all beings.

81. **"The Chameleon's Quest for the Lost Sunbeam" (Angolan Folklore):** Join a chameleon on a quest to find the lost sunbeam that brings light and warmth to the world, embarking on a journey of discovery and illumination.

82. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Sacred Grove" (Equatorial Guinean Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance in the sacred grove where ancient spirits dwell, connecting individuals with the timeless wisdom of nature.

83. **"The Chameleon's Whispers of the Wind" (Seychellois Folklore):** Listen to the chameleon's whispers carried by the wind, conveying messages of guidance, inspiration, and renewal to those who are attuned to nature's voice.

84. **"The Chameleon's Reflection in the Mirror of Truth" (Madagascan Folklore):** Gaze into the mirror of truth with a chameleon whose reflection reveals the innermost truths and hidden aspects of oneself, leading to self-awareness and growth.

85. **"The Chameleon's Dance of Cosmic Harmony" (Namibian Folklore):** Experience a chameleon's dance that harmonizes with the cosmic rhythms of the universe, attuning individuals to the celestial symphony of creation.

86. **"The Chameleon's Flight to the Eternal Flame" (Moroccan Folklore):** Follow a chameleon on a journey to the eternal flame that symbolizes the enduring spirit of life, transcending time and space to touch the immortal soul.

87. **"The Chameleon's Gift of Camouflage" (Togolese Folklore):** Receive a gift from a chameleon that imparts the art of camouflage and adaptation, enabling individuals to blend in with their surroundings and navigate life's challenges with grace.

88. **"The Chameleon's Song of Healing" (Burundian Folklore):** Listen to a chameleon's soothing song that carries the healing vibrations of nature, bringing comfort and restoration to those in need of solace.

89. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Midnight Sky" (Mozambican Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance beneath the midnight sky, where stars twinkle like fireflies, illuminating the path of dreams and inner visions.

90. **"The Chameleon's Tale of the Infinite Garden" (Guinean Folklore):** Hear a chameleon's tale of the infinite garden, where bloom eternal flowers of wisdom and enlightenment, inviting seekers to explore the boundless realms of knowledge and insight.

91. **"The Chameleon's Vision Quest" (Ghanaian Folklore):** Embark on a vision quest with a chameleon as it seeks spiritual enlightenment and wisdom from the ancient spirits of the land, uncovering hidden truths and revelations along the way.

92. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Four Elements" (Ivorian Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance that celebrates the four elements of earth, water, air, and fire, embodying the balance and harmony of nature's forces.

93. **"The Chameleon's Journey to the Heart of the Labyrinth" (Cameroonian Folklore):** Accompany a chameleon on a mystical journey to the heart of the labyrinth, where secrets of the soul are unveiled, and paths of destiny converge.

94. **"The Chameleon's Song of the Ocean Tides" (Senegalese Folklore):** Listen to a chameleon's song that echoes the ebb and flow of the ocean tides, carrying messages of resilience, adaptability, and the cyclical nature of life.

95. **"The Chameleon's Flight to the Celestial Mountains" (Chadian Folklore):** Follow a chameleon as it soars to the celestial mountains where ancient sages dwell, learning timeless teachings and insights beyond the realms of mortal knowledge.

96. **"The Chameleon's Gift of Transformation" (Beninese Folklore):** Receive a gift from a chameleon that bestows the power of transformation and metamorphosis, enabling individuals to evolve and transcend limitations.

97. **"The Chameleon's Dance of the Southern Cross" (Zimbabwean Folklore):** Witness a chameleon's dance beneath the southern cross constellation, where dreams take flight and aspirations soar towards the heavens.

98. **"The Chameleon's Whisper of Enchantment" (Malian Folklore):** Hear a chameleon's enchanting whisper that weaves spells of wonder and magic, enchanting hearts and minds with its mystical allure.

99. **"The Chameleon's Dream of the Eternal Sunrise" (Guinean-Bissauan Folklore):** Enter the chameleon's dream of the eternal sunrise, where new beginnings unfold, and the promise of hope and renewal shines brightly.

100. **"The Chameleon's Tale of the Cosmic Weaver" (South African Folklore):** Listen to a chameleon's tale of the cosmic weaver who spins the threads of fate, connecting all beings in the intricate web of existence, reminding us of our interdependence and interconnectedness.

From Kiungani, or: Story and History from Central Africa by Arthur Madan, 1887. See item #130 in the Bibliography.

One day a frog spoke to his fellow frogs and said, "I have heard that there is a chameleon about. The day I see him, he shall be my friend."

Well, one day they met, the frog and the chameleon, and they at once wished each other good morning, and after wishing each other good morning, they made mutual inquiries. First the frog asked the chameleon, "How are you getting on?"

"Capitally," replied the chameleon. "And how are you — well or badly?"

"Excellently," said the frog, "and how have you been this long time past?"

"In peace and quietness," answered the chameleon, "passing all understanding."

"My friend," said the frog, "you have given me an answer, but it has a fatal flaw. Peace cannot pass all understanding, unless you ascribe it to Almighty God, who created us, me and you. You, my friend, speak to me of a peace passing all understanding without naming your Creator, yours and mine, the Creator of all things, Almighty God."

"Quite true," answered the chameleon. "You have a very fine sense of propriety."

Well, the frog and the chameleon clung to each other as the ring to the finger, and so remained for many a day, the frog and the chameleon.

At last the frog got up and said to the chameleon, "My friend, we are still unmarried. Let us go and look for wives, and so marry."

"By all means, my friend," said the chameleon, "let us go in search of wives."

So off they went to search for wives, and they traveled for many a day without finding what they were in search of. However, one day they saw a town and said, "Suppose we enter this town. It is possible we shall get them here."

So they entered the town and were at once made welcome — "Welcome, welcome, strangers." They sat down, and food was brought in abundance, and they made a meal on the spot. In the morning they were asked, "How are things going in your parts — well or badly?"

"As well as could be," answered they. " But there is just one thing to mention: we are in want of wives."

"What do you say?" rejoined the people of the town.

"Wives," said they, "simply wives."

Now in that town there was a certain man who had two children, both girls, and just at that time the two daughters of this man appeared and passed in front of the frog and the chameleon, who noticed that they were fine girls, and they asked the people of the town, "Where is their father?"

The people answered and said, "He is the man you were just now talking to here. They are his daughters."

"We should like," they said, "to marry his daughters." Their father and their mother were at once called. The frog and the chameleon said, "We should like to marry your daughters."

The man had a little conversation with his wife. "Well, what do you think, my dear? Our daughters are asked in marriage by the frog and the chameleon. Now what do you think, my dear? Are they to marry or not marry?" "Just as you like, my dear," replied his wife. "Well," said he, "for my part, I should think they had better marry. These are gentlemen of quality, and I really cannot say no to them." Then the wife remarked, "I won't have my children live in want. I won't have my children find life all worry and trouble."

So the husband replied to the frog and the chameleon, "Is it really the case that you have the means to provide well for your wives?"

The frog and the chameleon answered and said to the father, "We have, sir, never fear. We have, we have indeed, sir."

Then the mother put in her word, "I want sons-in-law who know how to dig."

"We will try," replied they, but the frog added a boast on his own account and said, "I have no doubt, madam, I can dig, no doubt at all." But the chameleon only said, "I will try, but I do not think I can."

So the wedding of the frog and chameleon was celebrated, and it was as grand as could possibly be, the wedding of the chameleon and the frog. Fifty days lasted the wedding festivities of the frog and the chameleon, with slaughter of oxen and slaughter of sheep and goats. As to chickens, they were beyond counting. So a very grand affair was the wedding of the frog and the chameleon.

Well, when the wedding festivities were over, the father-in-law said to them, "Well, sons-in-law, what line of life will you take up now?"

"In this country," said they, "we are strangers," and they added, "We want spades and axes and sickles. We will do field-work." They said further, "Of course we are going to dig. Should we take your daughters and do nothing for it?"

Their father-in-law bought spades, axes, and sickles — everything required for field-work their father-in-law bought. He gave them the things and said, "I want you to farm. Only support your wives, and I won't take a single sixpence from you."

"By all means," they replied, and the frog said, "For my part, one spade and one axe are by no means enough for me. I require twelve spades and ten axes and nine sickles. Then I shall do rare work."

"Gently, gently," interrupted his friend the chameleon. "Are you speaking the truth, my friend? How do you propose to work with twelve spades?"

"Oh! Oh!" cried the frog. "Just because the chameleon is a rare stick-in-the-mud — he's a whole year getting anywhere; he just crawls one foot at a time — I won't have you make me out a do-nothing, Mr. Chameleon! I want twelve spades. None of your nonsense for me. Out of the road there!" The chameleon moved off, and then the frog was given his twelve spades, and he said, "Now I shall do rare work" — and he was given spaces, and axes too, and sickles, just as he had requested.

But the chameleon was given one spade and one axe and one sickle. And his father-in-law said, "The frog has told me you are a thorough idler. That's why I gave you one spade and one axe and one sickle, because you are lazy."

"Very good, father-in-law," said the chameleon, "you will see if I am lazy. Thank you, thank you; one spade and one axe and one sickle will do for me, father-in-law. Thank you. Let the frog there have your spades."

So the matter ended, and they went off to work.

Well, whenever the frog went out to work, he used to cover himself with sand and cover himself with mud, and when he came home to his father-in-law's house, he bragged, "I have done a fine stroke of work today; I want a good pile of food on my plate today." His mother-in-law cooked for him, and he took his meals by himself, and the frog was very greedy and would go presently to his mother-in-law and say, "I have worked hard today, mother-in-law, but as to the chameleon, he does not do a single stroke of work — he goes off a ramble without you seeing him; he carries off his spade in the morning, but don't you believe that he is at work. He is a liar and a do-nothing." Then the mother-in-law got to hate the chameleon heartily, because he was lazy. The frog had made mischief, and he said to her, "Keep your love for me, I who work like a man, while the chameleon does nothing." When the frog came from his fields it was always the same thing: he covered himself with mud so as to get a name for hard work and be praised by everybody.

When the chameleon came from the fields, he would oil himself and bathe himself and go back to his house, and when he goes indoors, his wife sees him, and flies into a passion, and demands of her husband, "How much digging have you done today?" and the chameleon answers his wife, "I have fine games. I don't dig. The frog is the great digger; he has it all to himself — no one else has a chance with him in digging." His wife would answer and say, "You are an idle do-nothing, you! Everyone tells me you are. Is there a man in the world who comes from the fields and all to oil himself? Where did you ever see one? Tell me."

"No, I never did," said the chameleon. "But still, suppose it is a way a man has; what are you to do?" His wife made no reply. At last she said to him, "Just try to dig a bit. Don't be lazy, my dear. Look at your friend the frog; when he comes from his fields, does he oil himself or not?"

The chameleon said to his wife, "No, he does not."

"Well," said his wife, "then you are an idler; you do not dig."

"Just so, an idler," was his answer to his wife.

So the chameleon went off to his fields. The fact is, the chameleon was uncommonly industrious at digging, while the frog never put spade to the ground. The frog was the regular do-nothing. Every day it was just the same. The frog would go to his field and stay a long time, doing nothing but amuse himself; then he would spatter himself with mud and come home, bragging to his wife, "Ah, my dear! I have done a fine day's work. I trust Almighty God may send down rain tonight, and then tomorrow I will go and sow my field. A very large field it is, too." So bragged the frog.

Well, that night there was a heavy fall of rain. In the morning, the frog said to his wife, "Go to your mother and say I want seed." She went and cried, "Mother, mother, may I come in? My husband wants seed to sow." "Oh! By all means," said her mother. Then the daughter asked, "What sort of seed do you want baskets of, my husband — maize or millet?" The frog replied, "I want eighteen baskets of maize, and ten of millet, and nineteen of rice." And the frog got all his seed of all kinds together.

Then the chameleon was asked, "How many baskets do you want?"

"Just what you can supply me with," said he. "I shall make no fuss, mother-in-law."

"Quite right," said his mother-in-law, and she produced some baskets of maize, and of millet, and of rice. And of each kind of seed his mother-in-law gave him two baskets only, because, thought she, "The chameleon knows nothing about digging." The chameleon went off to sow his seed.

What did the frog do but carry off his baskets of seed, and go and dig a hole and put all his seed in the hole — that was all the field the frog had. But the chameleon went to his field and sowed the seed which his mother-in-law had given him — the chameleon sowed his seed until his seed was all gone. As to the frog, his seed, too, was all gone, of course — the frog's seed being simply put in a hole.

Then the frog lodged another request for seed with his mother-in-law. "I want," said he, "nineteen more baskets of maize, and the same of millet and the same of rice, nineteen baskets — of each kind of seed nineteen baskets." His mother-in-law did not like to be outdone, so she procured the seed and conveyed the seed to her son-in-law the frog, and oh! oh! oh! — the frog was overjoyed, and he went again to dig a hole and put in it the whole lot of seed which his mother-in-law had given him. Then the frog said, "No, that is enough now; I don't want any more seed. What you gave me is sufficient. Now I have only got to keep the ground clear of weeds."

Then the chameleon was asked, "Do you want any seed?"

"I am a mere do-nothing," said he. "I want none of your seed, mother-in-law. I will get seed myself."

"Very good," said his mother-in-law. So the chameleon sowed his field and kept his eye on it till the seed sprouted and came up, and he kept the ground clear of weeds, and in the chameleon's field things were uncommonly flourishing. In his field there were bananas, in his field the maize was past all reckoning, and so was the sugar-cane in his field, the chameleon's.

Harvest-time came, and the frog was summoned by his mother-in-law, who said to him, "I want to go and see your fields, son-in-law. It is harvest-time, you know."

"Indeed it is, mother-in-law," he said. "It is harvest-time." But the frog quaked with terror at deceiving his mother-in-law. However, he said, "Certainly. Suppose we go tomorrow morning early?" And his mother-in-law said, "By all means." They slept till morning, and then his mother-in-law went to the frog's house and said, "Well, what say you? Are we to go to your field, son-in-law?"

"But," replied the frog to his mother-in-law, "are you sure you are equal to a very long walk? It is a very long way to the place where I have worked, mother-in-law."

"Never mind," said his mother-in-law. "Let us start and take it quietly, and we shall get there at last." The frog was at his wits' end, and his mother-in-law said, "Alright, come along." His mother-in-law carried a basket with her, thinking she would take some of the maize.

Well, they went on, and on, and on, and his mother-in-law kept asking, "Son-in-law frog, son-in-law frog, where are you going to?" The frog uttered an ejaculation, which meant, "Come along, mother-in-law; come along, mother-in-law." So they went on till it was mid-day, and the frog said to his mother-in-law, "We have left the field behind us. Let us go back, mother-in-law." His mother-in-law was fatigued, and so were the people who were with her, and she said, "What have you given us all this trouble for nothing for?"

The frog quaked at the voice of his mother-in-law. The frog was at his wits' end for an idea. "I had better say the seed was devoured by swarms of vermin. Yes, rats in swarms. I had better say that, and my mother-in-law will let me off." The frog racked his brains. "I had better say it." So he said to his mother-in-law, almost beside himself with terror, "That seed you gave me was eaten by rats and vermin. They came in swarms and devoured it wholesale, and the rats routed up all the seed I planted, and here's the rats' hole." Well, his mother-in-law simply could not bear the sight of this wicked waste of seed. She could not call him her son-in-law, but said to him, "Frog, you are no friend of mine. You have given me all the trouble of a laborious hunt after seed, and now you have spoiled it all in this way. And then you have worried me with a hunt after spades and axes — everything, indeed, I had to hunt up, and now I should like to know, where are your fields?"

"I couldn't dig," whimpered the frog, "because I was all by myself." And the frog was terribly ashamed; he could not look his mother-in-law in the face. Then his mother-in-law said, "Frog, you are no longer my son-in-law. You have done very wrong." So they went back to the town in a ferment, the frog not having a word to say for himself and only expecting to be summarily expelled.

The next day the chameleon was summoned. "Well, chameleon, how are you? Have you not been digging either?" The chameleon answered his mother-in-law, "Come to my field and see. But I am a sad idler, I am, just as you said yourselves, just like the frog said. However, come along and see the results of my idling." So they went to the chameleon's field, they went on and on, and at last they reached it. When she set eyes on the chameleon's field — and that field was something enormous — then his mother-in-law gave a cry of surprise and said, "Well, I never! Son-in-law chameleon, who has dug here? All this field, you by yourself?"

"Oh! I'm a lazy dog," said the chameleon. "You see how lazy I am." His mother-in-law was quite astounded. Then in a moment the chameleon gave orders for a house seven stories high, and there it stood in a moment. Then in a moment he gave orders to his maid-servants to convey his mother-in-law upstairs, and she was carried up. The news spread to the town, and a man was sent off to bring the father-in-law from the town. Very soon he was brought to the chameleon's residence. The father-in-law was astounded too, and said, "How have you managed to dig all this ground by yourself?" The chameleon gave orders to his men-servants to convey his father-in-law upstairs to a room, and people began to come into the chameleon's house, and he received them in state. The chameleon went to his field, and plucked some half-ripe maize, and gave it to his servants. "Make haste and cook this for my guests to eat." His father-in-law was in the seven-storied house, and he was in raptures and said, "I have got a fine son-in-law." And he added, "Now I will not have another son-in-law, only the chameleon now, and no one else. As to the frog, I will have nothing to do with him whatever."

So he sent people, saying, "Tell the frog to take himself off. Don't let me see him when I come to the town. Don't let me see him a single moment." The people went to the town, and the frog was told, "Your father-in-law is at the chameleon's house, and he says, 'Take yourself off this very day! Don't stay here today; go away.' Now then, you are a do-nothing, you frog, you! Hit him! Hit him!"

Off the frog ran into the forest, and he was never seen again.

When the father-in-law came back to the town, he asked, "Has the frog gone?" The people of the town replied, "Yes, he has run off into the woods. We were going to kill him, but he ran away."

Well, the frog's wife was given to the chameleon, and so the chameleon had two wives. And the chameleon said to his father-in-law, "Come now, let us walk about my fields." So they walked about till the father-in-law was tired, and then he rested. When he was ready, he got up and went away. The father-in-law told everyone, "I have got a fine son-in-law indeed."

So the chameleon lived with his two wives in the house of seven stories, and they lived in peace and quietness. His father-in-law died, and the mother-in-law only was left, and presently she died too. Then the chameleon was left and his two wives and a number of servants, male and female. They had nothing to do but eat and drink.

This is the story of the chameleon and the frog. And the frog ran away into the woods — that was what became of the frog. As to digging, the chameleon handed that all over to his servants.

This is the end of the story of the chameleon and the frog.