How the Honeybee Got Its Stinger

10 How the Honeybee Got Its Stinger My grandmother moved to Canada from Greece when she was a young girl. I love to spend time with her, especially in the summer. Why? She has great gardens, and I love to hear the stories she tells about the creatures in her gardens. There are butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and all types of insects flying through her flowers and vegetables. As we sat and smelled the gorgeous scents, Grandma told me about how the little honeybee got its powerful stinger. As the legend goes, one of the Greek gods, Zeus, was feeling generous. He invited all the animals of his world to come and see him. He was going to give each of them a gift-anything they might ask for. Birds asked for beautiful feathers and sweet songs to sing. Insects had requests of all kinds.

But the strangest request came from the honeybee. When the little bee flew up to greet Zeus, he startled the god with a strange request. " I know you will give me any gift that I may desire, " began the honeybee. " I have only one request. Please give me the power to hurt whom- ever I choose. " Zeus was taken aback by this strange request. But he agreed to grant the wish since he was feeling generous. “ I will give you a stinger, " said Zeus. “ When you sting someone with it, it will cause unbearable pain. " The honeybee was very pleased. “ Thank you, Zeus, " he said. " I am happy that you are giving me this weapon. " Zeus then added, “ There is one more thing. I know that you are a kind and gentle insect, and that you will use this stinger with great care. You must never use it in anger or hate. Just to be certain, I have made it so that you can use it only once. Using this stinger will cause you to lose your life. Do you understand?" " And that, " explained my grandmother, “ is why even today the honeybee dies after it stings someone. "