Long ago, there lived a woman named Manzandaba and her husband Zenzele. They had many children, and during the day, they were happy. They spent their days making baskets and hunting. But in the evenings, they were unhappy. “Mama,” the children cried, “Please, tell us some stories!” But she and Zenzele didn't know any stories. There were no stories, no dreams, no magical tales back then.
One day, Zenzele asked Manzandaba to go out and find stories, and she agreed. Manzandaba decided to ask every animal she passed if they knew any stories. The first animal Manzandaba met was the hare, but he didn't have any stories. The next animal was the baboon. “Baboon!” she called. “Do you have any stories that I could take back to my people?” The baboon laughed. "I have no time for stories!" Next, she came upon the elephant. “Oh, kind elephant,” she asked, “Do you know where I might find some stories?” I don't know any stories,” he said, “but why don't you ask the eagle?”
So Manzandaba searched for the great fish eagle, and found him near the river, “Eagle, my people are hungry for stories. Where can I find some?”
“Well,” he said, “I know someone who may be able to help you. Wait here.” So Manzandaba waited.
Finally, the eagle came back and said, “My friend, the big sea turtle, will take you to the story place!” “Climb onto my back,” said the sea turtle. “I will carry you to the bottom of the ocean, the Land of the Spirit People.” The sea turtle took Manzandaba to the King and Queen, and Manzandaba told them that she was looking for stories. “We have many stories,” they said. “But what will you give us for those stories, Manzandaba?” “What do you want?” Manzandaba asked. “A picture of your home and your people,” they said. “Can you bring us that?” “Yes!” Manzandaba answered. “I can!”
Manzandaba returned home and told her family everything. When she got to the end of her story, her husband said, “I can make a beautiful picture in wood for the Spirit People.” And he did. Finally, Manzandaba returned to the Spirit Kingdom. When they saw the picture, the King and Queen were very happy! In return, the King and Queen gave Manzandaba the most beautiful shell she had ever seen. “Whenever you want a story,” they said, “hold this shell to your ear and you will have your story!” And that is how stories came to the world.