A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

Overview

When Arinto approaches, David Lawrence asks his sister to carry him away, but she refuses because she fears being eaten herself. He excavates an underground refuge. The bird smells human flesh from the roof; David sings from within the passage, drawing it back and forth all day. He cooks and rests at night while the exhausted bird cannot feed.

After several weeks Arinto falls from its roost. David removes the tongue and seeks the king’s promised marriage reward. Anansi discovers the dead bird, takes its head and claims the success. David interrupts the preparations and asks why the head has no tongue, revealing the missing piece. Anansi flees into the roof, while David is received, clothed and married to the king’s daughter.

Eats human fleshFollows a concealed singer’s voiceTongue serves as proof after its defeat
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Origins & earliest records

Martha Warren Beckwith published this account in Jamaica Anansi Stories (1924), explicitly credited to Mrs. Ramtalli, Maggotty. Her preface dates the collection visits to summer1919 and winter1921; a particular interview date is not supplied here. The published witness does not establish the first oral telling.

02

Records & interpretation

The complete story90 was read, including David’s mobility limitation, sustained defence and proof of the kill. Arinto is not supplied with invented giant dimensions or a species identification. Similar trophy-proof structure in Ballinder Bull does not make the two adversaries one creature.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

  1. 01

    Jamaica Anansi Stories

    Martha Warren Beckwith; music recorded by Helen H. Roberts · 1924

    Story90, Bird Arinto, printed p.115. Complete selected narrative read, with teller heading and preface.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

  1. Primary textBeckwith1924: Story90, Bird Arinto, printed p.115.Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

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