Anansi and the Dispersal of Diseases (Ashanti/Akan)
Anansi once tricked Nyame, the Sky God, by taking one of his sheep and promising a beautiful maiden in return. Nyame discovered the deception and took all of Anansi's wives, leaving only a sick woman. Following her advice, Anansi bathed her and kept the water in a gourd, and she became beautiful. When Nyame saw her and demanded she be brought to him, Anansi crafted a drum from the gourd containing the disease-water. During a celebratory dance, Anansi opened the drum and released the disease-water, unleashing sickness upon the world. This is why illnesses exist among humanity, and the tale serv