How Six Sons Saved Anansi

A West African Tale Retold by Gale Sypher Jacob Art by Mona Meslier Menuau

Long ago, a spider called Anansi had six lively sons. They were named See All, Road builder, River drinker, Fishcutter, Spell caster, and Cushion. As you can guess by their names, each son had a special talent.

One morning, Anansi told his sons to be good, waved good-bye, and left for town to buy a new cooking pot.

Anansi’s sons climbed trees and ran races, but they never grew tired.

Hours later, See All cried, “Listen to me! Father fell into the river and was swallowed by a big fish. We need to go rescue him!”

“Watch me!” called Road builder. He spun a strong spider-silk road. Then he and his brothers traveled on it, up and down, over and under, until they reached the river.

But where was the big fish?

“Watch me!” cried River drinker. He leaned over the river, opened his mouth, and swallowed all of the river’s water. The big fish lay on the dry river bottom.