The Tortoises devised a clever plan to hunt Ostriches by forming rows and forcing them to flee through the middle. While staying still and calling to each other, the Ostriches, confused by the calls, ran until they exhausted themselves and collapsed. The Tortoises then gathered where the Ostriches fell and feasted on them.
Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910
► Themes of the story
Cunning and Deception: The tortoises employ a clever strategy to hunt the ostriches by positioning themselves strategically and using calls to confuse and exhaust the birds.
Moral Lessons: The tale imparts a lesson on the effectiveness of intelligence and strategy over brute strength.
Community and Isolation: The tortoises work collectively to achieve their goal, emphasizing the strength found in unity.
► From the same Region or People
One day, it is said, the Tortoises held a council how they might hunt Ostriches, and they said, “Let us, on both sides, stand in rows near each other, and let one go to hunt the Ostriches, so that they must flee along through the midst of us.” They did so, and as they were many, the Ostriches were obliged to run along through the midst of them. During this they did not move, but, remaining always in the same places, called each to the other, “Are you there?” and each one answered, “I am here.” The Ostriches hearing this, ran so tremendously that they quite exhausted their strength, and fell down. Then the Tortoises assembled by-and-by at the place where the Ostriches had fallen, and devoured them.
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