Baboon cleverly avoided Lion’s attack by using deception. He placed shiny, eye-like plates on the back of his head, confusing Lion into thinking Baboon was watching him even when turned away. As Lion crept closer, Baboon feigned ignorance. When Lion finally leapt, Baboon dodged, causing Lion to fall off the precipice and perish, outwitted by Baboon’s quick thinking.
Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910
► Themes of the story
Trickster: Baboon uses cunning and deception to outsmart Lion.
Good vs. Evil: The narrative showcases the battle between opposing forces, with Baboon representing good and Lion representing evil.
Moral Lessons: The story imparts a lesson on the value of intelligence over brute strength.
► From the same Region or People
Baboon, it is said, once worked bamboos, sitting on the edge of a precipice, and Lion stole upon him. Baboon, however, had fixed some round, glistening, eye-like plates on the back of his head. When, therefore, Lion crept upon him, he thought, when Baboon was looking at him, that he sat with his back towards him, and crept with all his might upon him. When, however, Baboon turned his back towards him, Lion thought that he was seen, and hid himself. Thus, when Baboon looked at him, he crept upon him. [Whilst Baboon did this, Lion came close upon him.]
► Continue reading…
When he was near him Baboon looked up, and Lion continued to creep upon him. Baboon said (aside), “Whilst I am looking at him he steals upon me, whilst my hollow eyes are on him.”
When at last Lion sprung at him, he lay (quickly) down upon his face, and Lion jumped over him, falling down the precipice, and was dashed to pieces.
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Dreamtime Whispers 