The Seven Robbers: A Cape Verdean Folktale of Treasure, Greed, and Justice"

The folklore of the Cape Verde Islands tells the story of two brothers—one rich and one poor—whose lives diverge drastically. The poor brother, after facing daily humiliation while begging for bread from his affluent sibling, discovers a treasure hidden within a rock after encountering a group of seven robbers. As he amasses wealth using makeshift means, his rich brother, consumed by greed, insists on sharing in the fortune, leading to disastrous consequences. The rich brother’s impatience and relentless desire for gold result in his demise at the hands of the robbers, forcing the poor brother to confront his brother's death and ultimately secure the treasure alongside a widow whose children he vows to support. Yet, even as fortunes change, human greed proves powerful, leading to the poor brother's own downfall as he squanders the wealth left to him. The tale serves as a cautionary lesson about the dangers of envy, greed, and the fleeting nature of prosperity, woven into the rich cultural tapestry of the Cape Verde Islands.