A cunning Cock, captured by Jackal, tricks him by suggesting prayer before being eaten, mimicking the white man. Cock instructs Jackal to fold his hands and close his eyes while praying. Seizing the moment, Cock escapes, mocking Jackal’s attempt to pray. Jackal, outwitted, sits speechless, realizing he has been cleverly deceived.
Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910
► Themes of the story
Cunning and Deception: The cock deceives the jackal to secure his freedom.
Moral Lessons: The story teaches the value of cleverness and the potential folly of blind imitation.
Illusion vs. Reality: The jackal is misled by the cock’s suggestion, confusing appearance with truth.
► From the same Region or People
Cock, it is said, was once overtaken by Jackal, and caught. Cock said to Jackal, “Please, pray first (before you kill me), as the white man does.” Jackal asked, “In what manner does he pray? Tell me.” – “He folds his hands in praying,” said Cock. Jackal folded his hands and prayed. Then Cock spoke again: “You ought not to look about you as you do. You had better shut your eyes.” He did so; and Cock flew away, upbraiding at the same time Jackal with these words, “You rogue! do you also pray?”
There sat Jackal, speechless, because he had been outdone.
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Dreamtime Whispers 