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The Three Foolish Princesses

African Tale

By LALY PEWIN MARKPublished 7 days ago 9 min read

Once upon a time in a land filled with sunshine and laughter, there was a village so pretty it looked like a painting. This village was home to King Chima, a king loved by all because he was as wise as he was kind. His big heart reached out to everyone, making sure they were happy and safe. King Chima had a large family with two wives. His first wife, Julie, gave him three daughters—princesses who were as beautiful as the morning sun. Then there was Uchi, his second wife, who gave him two brave sons—future kings of the land.

The princesses were known for their playful hearts. Every day, they would run barefooted out of the palace, laughing and shouting, playing games, and having fun. They would go to the river, splash water, and get all muddy. Their dresses got dirty, and their hair was a mess, but they didn’t care. They felt happy and free. However, not everyone thought this was how princesses should act. “They are too wild,” people would whisper. “Why don’t they behave like royalty?” they wondered. This made their mother, Oie, very worried. She would often sit them down, her voice soft but firm. “You are princesses, my dears,” she’d say. “It’s time to act like it.” But the princesses would just giggle and run off, their spirits as free as the wind. They wanted to be like everyone else—to play, explore, and love the land. They believed that being true to oneself was more important than wearing a crown. So, despite their mother’s worries and the villagers’ whispers, the princesses continued to dance with the world, their hearts as wild and free as the beautiful village they called home.

In this village, there was usually a festival that happened every year. But this wasn’t just any festival—it was for the princesses’ brothers to find brides. On the day of this festival, the village square came alive with colors, music, and the sweet smell of festival foods. Beautiful girls from the village and even from places far away came. They wore their prettiest dresses and danced beautifully, hoping one of the princes would pick them to be a bride. But in the palace, the three princesses watched from a window, their thoughts far away from the glitter and the gold. When men came asking for their hands, the princesses would find reasons to say no. “He’s too proud,” one would say. “He thinks his gold can buy love,” another would sigh. Even when a very rich man from another village came with lots of gifts, the princesses just shook their heads and splashed water on him.

The Festival of True Love

Once upon a time in a land filled with sunshine and laughter, there existed a picturesque village. This village was home to King Chima, a ruler beloved for his wisdom and kindness. His heart extended to all, ensuring their happiness and safety. King Chima had a large family with two wives. Julie, his first wife, blessed him with three daughters—princesses as radiant as the morning sun. Uchi, his second wife, gave him two brave sons—future kings of the land.

The princesses were known for their playful spirits. Daily, they would dash barefoot out of the palace, laughing, shouting, and reveling in games. They splashed in the river, their dresses muddied, and their hair tousled. But they cared not; they felt happy and free. Yet not everyone approved. “These princesses are too wild,” the villagers whispered. “Why don’t they behave like royalty?” they wondered. Their mother, Oie, fretted, urging them to act more regal. But the princesses giggled and continued dancing with the world, believing authenticity mattered more than crowns. In the village, an annual festival took place—a chance for the princesses’ brothers to find brides. The village square buzzed with colors, music, and the aroma of festival foods. Beautiful girls from near and far arrived, hoping to catch the princes’ eyes.

The princesses observed quietly. They admired the courage of these hopeful maidens but longed for something deeper. They sought love that transcended a single day—a love that truly understood them beyond their royal status. As the festival ended and their brothers found brides, the village gossiped. “What will become of the three foolish princesses?” they murmured. But the princesses remained undeterred. They believed true love couldn’t be found in a festival; it would find them in its own time and way. Seasons changed, and the moon wove its celestial dance. The princesses blossomed into beautiful young women. They watched leaves turn from green to gold, pondering love’s meaning. Their brothers’ happiness with their brides stirred something within them. Perhaps it was time to open their hearts—but only to true love.

One evening, beneath a star-studded sky, the princesses approached their father, King Chima. Their voices echoed with hope as they made an unusual request: “Father, we want our own festival. A chance for men to showcase their talents and skills. We seek true love, beyond mere appearances.” King Chima, surprised yet understanding, agreed. Maybe this was their unique path to love. The village buzzed with anticipation. Suitors practiced, tailors sewed fine clothes, chefs prepared feasts, and musicians tuned their instruments. This festival would be unlike any other.

As the grand day approached, excitement filled the air. The princesses exchanged knowing smiles. They were ready to step into the unknown, hoping to find love that saw beyond their crowns. The village waited, suitors eager, stars watching from above—the beginning of something magical that could change their lives forever. And so, the day of the grand festival arrived, bathed in the sun’s warm smile. The village square hummed with anticipation. Men, dressed in their finest, muscles gleaming, smiles wide, and gifts in hand, vied for the princesses’ attention. Each hoped to capture a princess’s heart. The princesses observed quietly, mischief sparkling in their eyes. Little did they know that this festival would lead them to a love deeper than any crown—a love that would weave its own enchanting tale. The Unveiling of True Names .As the sun dipped, casting a golden glow across the village, the princesses stood before the crowd. Their voices rang out, clear and strong: “To win our hearts, you must do more than display wealth or strength. You must guess our real names.”

A hush fell over the crowd. The princesses were known far and wide as the three foolish princesses, their true names shrouded in mystery. The suitors were stunned—guessing names seemed an impossible task. They had prepared to showcase their might and wealth, not to unravel riddles. But the princesses stood firm. Their challenge hung in the air like an enigma—a test of wisdom and patience. They sought suitors who would look beyond titles, who would take the time to truly know them. The village buzzed with questions. Was it a quest? A puzzle? The suitors exchanged uncertain glances, their confidence shaken. The princesses watched, smiles playing on their lips. They had turned the tables, inviting suitors to seek deeper connections. As the festival ended, the suitors left with minds abuzz. They had come to impress, only to face an unexpected challenge. The princesses had cleverly revealed their desire for true love—one that saw beyond crowns and titles. Whispers spread through the village. Who could rise to the challenge? It became a story told for days—a tale of three princesses seeking love in their own unique way. Amidst the guessing and whispering, there lived a man named Okon. Known as the village drunkard, he stumbled through life, often lost in laughter and wine. But beneath the surface, Okon held more than met the eye. When he heard about the princesses’ challenge, something stirred within him. Why not him? Why couldn’t he win their hearts? Determination fueled his surprising quest—to discover their true names. Day after day, Okon shadowed the princesses, listening closely. They called each other by nicknames, a secret language of smiles and glances. But their real names remained elusive.

Then fate intervened. Near the forest edge, the youngest princess tumbled into a hidden pit, laughter turning to cries for help. Okon, hidden behind a bush, hesitated. This was his chance—not to win a challenge, but to do something right. But before he could act, the eldest princess shouted, “I’Amma to the rescue!” And the middle one, Leela, joined her. Okon’s eyes widened—their names spilled like precious gems: Amma and Laya. And there, in that unexpected moment, Okon found purpose. He had glimpsed beyond titles, beyond foolishness. The quest for true love had begun, and Okon, the village drunkard, held a secret—the princesses’ names. What would he do with this knowledge? Only time would tell.

Their voices filled with love and concern, the sisters heaved and pulled Tina from the pit. Their arms wrapped around her in a tight hug. Okon, still hidden, felt warmth in his heart. He had discovered their names, but he had also witnessed the love they shared—a love that transcended any challenge. With newfound resolve, Okon stepped out from his hiding place. His heartbeat like a drum; he knew what he had to do. With a shout that carried across the village, he declared, “I know their names: Amma, Leela, Tina!” The village turned in astonishment. Okon, once mocked as a fool, had achieved what none could—he had unraveled the secret at the heart of the challenge. It was a moment of triumph, not only for Okon but also for the princesses. They had found someone who saw beyond the games, someone who took the time to truly know them. As the news spread, excitement buzzed through the village. Okon, once the village drunkard, was now the talk of the town. His strategy, born of patience and observation, had revealed the true names of the princesses. This tale would be recounted for generations—a story of unexpected heroism and the power of looking beyond appearances.

As the village gathered, eyes wide and whispers loud, Okon stood before King Chima, the princesses by his side. The air was thick with anticipation. Okon, once considered a mere village drunkard, held the attention of all. “I know the names of your daughters,” he declared proudly. “Amma, Leela, Tina.” But Okon had one more surprise—a secret that would change everything. “I am not who you think I am,” Okon began, his voice steady and strong. “I am Prince Okon from a neighboring village. I came here not as a fool, but in disguise to learn the true hearts of your daughters.” The village gasped, eyes shifting from Okon to the princesses and back again. The man they had mocked was a prince—wise and cunning—who had seen past the game to the truth beneath.

The princesses smiled at Okon, their eyes shining with respect and something deeper—a connection forged in understanding and kindness. Many suitors had come, men of wealth and strength, but none sought to know them as Okon had. He had shown wisdom, seeing beyond titles and appearances to the heart of who they were. Moved by Okon’s revelation and his daughter’s happiness, King Shima agreed to the marriages. “You have proven yourself wise and true,” he said to Okon. “Worthy of my daughters.” The weddings were unlike any other celebrations, filling the village with music, laughter, and joy. Amma, Leela, and Tina—the three princesses once thought foolish—stood proudly beside Prince Okon. Their hearts united in love and respect as they set off to begin their new lives.

The village was left in a state of wonder. They had judged the princesses and Okon, labeling them foolish without truly seeing their hearts. But love—the love the princesses and Okon shared—was not about titles or appearances. It was about understanding, respect, and seeing the true worth of a person. The story of the three princesses and Prince Okon became a legend—a tale of wisdom, equality, and the power of love. It served as a reminder that true nobility comes not from birth or wealth, but from the wisdom of the heart and the courage to see beyond the surface.

As the sun set on the village, casting a golden glow over the land, the people whispered of the day’s wonders. The princesses and Prince Okon, now bound by love and wisdom, journeyed forward. Their futures were bright with promise, leaving behind a village forever changed by the lessons of their tale.

I hope you enjoyed this enchanting story! If you did, feel free to share it with your family and friends. Goodbye!

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    LPMWritten by LALY PEWIN MARK

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