Once upon a time, in a savanna, a tortoise named Gamada was running across the grassland plains to get to the best grass for finding vegetation to eat. He thought very highly of himself, and often bragged of his speed to the other local animals. He was faster than the fastest cheetah and quicker than the quickest lion. 

One day, Gamada was running to the great mountain, Kilimanjaro, to watch the lions at their den. On the way, he met many other old grassland animals who were begging for food. ''Do you have any spare food for me, Gamada?'' said one beggar.      

"Get out of my way you filthy scum!" replied Gamada.    

Gamada was almost complete with his journey when he came across an old lioness. She, too, was looking for food for her cubs. The lioness asked the tortoise if he had any meat.  

Gamada replied, "No! I am a vegetarian! Get out of my way you filthy cat!"

The lioness responded to the tortoise, "Then you shall forever be cursed and you will be reduced to the speed of the slowest snail!"

Gamada did not take this comment very well, storming away with anger and hatred toward the lioness.    

Gamada sped his way to the mountain, insulting the old lioness. She is just an old, nonsense filled lioness, and I am the fastest and greatest animal in this savannah! the tortoise thought. The tortoise's mind and soul forever became corrupt and evil.  

When he reached the mountain to watch the lions he laid down and took a nap. He dreamed of being the slowest animal on earth. It was as if the old lioness' punishment came true. He awoke abruptly at the dream and decided to test the lioness. 

He raced down the mountain to find the fastest cheetah and race him. Gamada found the cheetah and challenged him to another race.