Ancient Story: The Lion's Whisker by Lin Donn





The Lion's Whisker is an ancient fable about a husband and wife living in an African village. For quite some time, the husband had not been happy in his marriage and began to stay late working in the fields. Although, the husband wasn't the only one unhappy, the wife was also miserable. Finally, the wife went to the oldest man in the village for advice. The elder said, "I can prepare a secret potion that will change your husband into a loving man" (Donn). The wife cried of excitement. There was one simple task though. The elder needed a lion's whisker but couldn't get it because he was too old. The wife hurried off to finish the task. She waited by the edge of the forest and watched the lion drink and eat. The lion then disappeared into the forest. For the next four weeks the exact same thing happened but this time a bit faster. Finally, the wife moved quicker than the lion, snatched a whisker and ran to the elder's house. The elder was pleased with her accomplishment but said, "You do not need magic to change your husband back into the loving man he once was. You are brave enough to pull a whisker from the chin of a living lion. It took cleverness and bravery to do what you have done. Can you not use that same patience and courage and wit with your husband" (Donn)? The wife was confused by what the elder was saying but she went home and follwed his advice. Her husband slowly began to love her again and within a year they were a happy couple.

The Lion's Whisker reflects loyalty in many aspects. When the husband and wife's marriage isn't running smoothly, instead of giving up she seeks advice. The wife's loyalty is very important because instead of just leaving her husband she sacrifices her life to strengthen their marriage. Deep down she must find something in her husband that is worth going to extreme measures for. Throughout the story, she remains loyal to her husband and never gives up hope that they can return to having a great marriage. When she accomplishes the task, she is very patient and gives him time to change.

The purpose of this project is to determine the impact of loyalty on one's life, as well as learn every aspect that is needed to be loyal. The effect that is to be conveyed by the end of the project is how the emotional feelings behind loyalty affects the outcome of the situation. Also, I would like to understand how one's behaviour impacts certain situations of loyalty. I want to be able to inspire the audience to make a difference by learning the positive outcomes of loyalty.