Why the Dung Beetle is so strong:

When you walk through African during the rainy season, you may come across large black beetles pushing along large balls of animal dung as big as apples. These are known as Dung Beetles and this old Batonka story tells us why they do this.  

Long ago, Dung Beetle and Butterfly were the best of friends. They were always together as they went about their daily business. One day, they were resting in the shade of a tree when First Man and First Woman walked by.

“Oh, what a beautiful Butterfly!” they exclaimed. And they stood and admired her for quite some time. When First Man and First Woman resumed their travels, Dung Beetle said to Butterfly “Whenever First Man and First Woman see you, they stop and admire you. They never take a second glance at me, am I so ugly?”

“Nonsense” said Butterfly “It’s only because you have nothing to attract their attention. Humans admire beauty and strength. If you had to become the strongest insect in the world, for instance, they would sure take notice of you.”

“I could never become the strongest insect in the world” said Beetle sadly.

“Certainly you could” Butterfly quickly replied. “Remember, if you make no effort you can expect no results. But if you try you might succeed” 

Dung Beetle decided that she would try. She went off on her own for a long time. Dung Beetle tried all sorts of exercises and challenges to become strong. Through continued effort she became very strong. At last she returned to her friend Butterfly.

To show Butterfly how strong she had become, Dung Beetle fashioned some huge balls of elephant dung. Theses balls were many times the size of Dung Beetle. But she was now so strong that she had no trouble pushing them around with her back legs.

As Dung Beetle was doing this, First Man and First Woman passed by, They were both amazed by Dung Beetle’s prowess, that they didn't even notice beautiful Butterfly.