The oldest enemy of the mouse is the cat. That's why the mice once got together to discuss the matter. When they were all together, the first mouse called out: "The cat is killing us mice. What can we do about it?" Together they thought about the best way to protect themselves from the cat. Finally, one mouse had an idea: "Let's put a bell on the cat. If it comes and wants to eat us, we'll hear it. That will give us enough time to escape." All the mice agreed with this plan: "Yes! That's how we'll do it." After they had finished the advice, they went home.

The mice's grandfather was sitting there. He had stayed at home and was eagerly awaiting the decision of the Mouse Council. "My children, what have you decided?"

They talked about their idea: "We want to put a bell on the cat. If it comes near us, we'll hear the bell ringing and can escape in time."  The grandfather nodded thoughtfully. "You have planned well, my children. But which one of you will catch the cat? And who will put on the bell?" Now the mice became very quiet with fear and whispered to each other: "That's true. Who will catch it for us?" No one dared. Not a single mouse. So in the end, the mice's advice was in vain.

And to this day, there is a saying in Eritrea for a council that meets in vain and fails to find a solution. They say: "It's like the Council of Mice."

Märchen aus Eritrea, Fassung Anina Meile, nach: E. Littmann, Tales, Customs, Names and Dirges oft he Tigre Tribes, Vol. II, Leyden 1910, englische Fassung Lysander Jaenike © Mutabor Märchenstiftung