We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge for the month of April. The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Becoming: Tales of Transformation & Calling.” We love exploring traditional tales from around the world within that theme.
About Koi and the Kola Nuts:
From West African storytelling traditions comes the tale of Koi, a young man whose journey centers on generosity, dignity, and the unfolding meaning of respect. Koi receives only a kola tree as his inheritance. Feeling that this is not enough honor for a chief’s son, he leaves his village in search of a place where he will be treated with greater respect.
Along the way, Koi encounters creatures in distress—a python, an ant, and a crocodile. Each time, he chooses generosity over possession, giving away his kola nuts to help them survive difficult situations. Eventually, Koi arrives in a new village where he is expected to face dangerous trials. He is at risk of being harmed or even killed. But when the tests begin, the very animals he helped earlier return and intervene on his behalf, completing the tasks and saving his life.
Through this journey, Koi’s understanding of value is transformed. What once seemed like loss becomes the foundation of survival. His acts of generosity return to him in unexpected form, revealing a deeper truth about relationship, reciprocity, and becoming.
Symbolism and Themes:
Reciprocity and Interconnection – Human and animal lives are deeply linked. Help given across boundaries returns in unexpected and life-saving ways.
Worth Beyond Status – Koi begins with inherited identity (chief’s son), but his true worth is revealed through action, not rank or privilege.
Transformation Through Relationship – Koi does not transform alone; his change is made possible through relationships he formed earlier without expectation of reward.
50-word-or-less summary:
Koi leaves home after receiving only a kola tree, seeking respect. Along the way, he generously gives kola nuts to a python, ant, and crocodile. In a new village, Koi faces life-or-death trials of worthiness and is saved when the animals he once aided return to help him complete them.
Finding the Story:
Go to the picture book “Koi and the Kola Nuts” adapted by Verna Aardema. Or a different pictures book “Koi and the Kola Nuts” adapted by Brian Gleeson, which was also created into this video.
Finding the Transformation:
Koi’s story reminds us that becoming is not always about grand journeys—it can arise from a single moment of carelessness, followed by the choice to respond differently. His transformation is grounded in accountability. He does not become someone new by escaping his mistake, but by facing it fully.
Have you ever learned something important through a mistake you couldn’t undo—but could respond to?
Share your thoughts in the comments! While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads celebrates the 11th hybrid summit & festival on May 2 & 4-6, 2026 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us.
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Creative West; Utah Division of Arts and Museums; City of Murray; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Utah Storytelling Guild; Murray City Library; Pleasant Grove Library; American Fork Library and people like you.