Ancient History

Learn about the clever spider Anansi and how he tricks two powerful animals in this fun folktale.

Elephant accidentally sits on Anansi while taking a nap, then calls him a pipsqueak. Anansi gets angry and challenges Elephant to a tug of war.

Anansi ties a rope to Elephant's tail, then runs to the ocean shore to find Killer Whale.

Anansi convinces Killer Whale to have a tug of war too, ties the rope to the whale's fin, then runs back to the forest to start his trick.

Elephant and Killer Whale pull against each other through the rope, not knowing they're fighting each other instead of Anansi. The pulling goes on for a long time until both animals are exhausted.

Anansi visits both tired animals, and they both admit he is stronger. He unties the ropes and walks away, having taught them to respect smaller creatures.

Anansi and the Tug o' War (Animated Stories for Kids)