Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, a West African folktale

A hot, humid evening in the rainforest climate of West Africa wouldn't be complete without the whining "buzz" of a mosquito. This traditional folktale explains the mosquito's attraction to the ear...

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, Ear was a lovely young woman who was ready for marriage. She had no lack of suitors wooing her, such was her beauty, wit and charm.

There were big creatures, there were small creatures. Some were quick, sleek and agile; others were slow and sluggish. All professed their love for Ear, and sought to impress her any way they could.

Her suitors displayed such an impressive array of skills that Ear felt overwhelmed – how could she ever make a decision? Then along came Mosquito...

"I would like you to be my wife," proposed Mosquito.

Ear didn't know whether to laugh or cry... tiny Mosquito's proposal was so ludicrous that Ear felt deeply offended by this affront. "What makes you think I can entertain such a thought?," she shouted.

"Look around you!" cried Ear, her words dripping with disdain. "Of all the people and creatures in the world, what makes you think I could marry YOU?!! You will be dead before the week is over!"

Ear, exhausted from her tirade, sank into her seat, fanning herself vigorously as if to banish the episode from her mind. Meanwhile, Mosquito slunk away, shamed and hurt by Ear's mocking dismissal.

It was very embarrassing to be talked to like that in public, thought Mosquito, as Ear's arrogant suitors pointed, giggled and whispered to each other. Apparently they all agreed with Ear's assessment.

"Dead before the week is over," thought Mosquito as he slunk away. "Well, we will just see about that."

And from that day forward, whenever Mosquito sees Ear, he flies up to her and says "Emi re, mi o ti ku", which in English means "Here I am, I am not dead!"

(adapted, via All Folk Tales)

(images via Val Pond Photographs and RJmeow01)