Alier Reng
Parables and moral fables drawn from Dinka tradition — stories that teach through narrative.
Once upon a time, there lived a kind-hearted man called Piɔn ɣer (Pure Heart) in "Love your neighbor as yourself" town in Jonglei State, South Sudan. Piɔn ɣer was admired by people from near and far for his kindness and altruistic leadership. A wise man called Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic lived in the same town, just a few blocks away.
One day, Piɔn ɣer visited Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic as part of his regular leadership practice. While they talked, Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic asked him to name his three best friends. Piɔn ɣer obliged.
On hearing the names, Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic smiled and asked, "How do you know these are your best friends?"
"Because I trust them and they trust me," Piɔn ɣer replied.
Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic decided to test them. "A friend in need is a friend indeed," he said, and gave Piɔn ɣer three boiled eggs to share with his first friend. He asked Piɔn ɣer to observe the friend's behavior and report back.
Piɔn ɣer met his first friend and they each ate an egg. When Piɔn ɣer offered the third, his friend declined—"You eat it"—but after some back-and-forth, finally agreed and ate it.
The next day, Piɔn ɣer reported this to Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic, who said, "This man is not your friend."
Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic gave him three more eggs for his second friend. Piɔn ɣer met his second friend and they each ate an egg. When Piɔn ɣer offered the third, his friend took it without hesitation and ate it whole.
When Piɔn ɣer reported this, Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic shook his head. "This man is not your friend either."
Finally, Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic gave him three eggs for his third friend. This time, the friend cut the third egg in half and they shared it together.
When Piɔn ɣer reported this, Aŋic Piɔthke Kɔcyic jumped in jubilation. "This man," he said, "is indeed your best friend."
SOURCE: Gai Bol Luom
© 2017 Alier Reng