The snake's venom is like nothing against the tortoise's shell.
The proverb captures the essence of epic battles between
elemental spirits in Igbo mythology.
The tortoise safely encased by God's natural design in
a hardshell of bone and scutes fears not for the snake's venom. Old Dibias have been known to recount the proverb as a means of psyching themselves up for taking on 'evil'.
The photo was provided by Bob Oji [Admin], who has clevely 'posed' the cobra and the tortoise.
Generally, in real life, Igbos cite this proverb whenever actors or players in life's dramas wish to state that they fear no evil.
Contributed By Kelechi Una Isiodu, Umunjam, Mbieri. [Variants Posted x 3] By John Isiodu, Mbieri: Agwo turu mbe turu okpokoro By Bob Oji, Umuahia Abia State: [Ditto]