Why tale
In short: A story that explains an animal trait, a natural phenomenon or a custom through an event said to have happened long ago.
Motif
How does it work in the tale?
Two Baoulé examples from Côte d’Ivoire answer different questions. Ago’s tale explains why the insect feeds on kapok seeds, while the water spider tale explains its red colour. Both begin with a detail that someone can notice today.
How does a why tale begin?
Start with something you can observe. The story gives that detail a character and a memorable event. In publishing Ago’s tale, Duviard also examines how the insect actually feeds. I’m Black Horse. What question would you ask about the shape of a bird’s beak?