The tale explains how the jackal’s back became black. Men ignored the Sun sitting by the wayside, but the curious jackal picked it up and carried it on his back. When the Sun began to burn him, he tried to shake it off, but it stuck, leaving his back permanently scorched.
Source:
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910
► Themes of the story
Origin of Things: The tale explains the natural phenomenon of the jackal’s black stripe.
Transformation: The jackal undergoes a physical change due to his interaction with the Sun.
Supernatural Beings: The Sun is personified, influencing the events of the story.
► From the same Region or People
The Sun, it is said, was one day on earth, and the men who were travelling saw him sitting by the wayside, but passed him without notice. Jackal, however, who came after them, and saw him also sitting, went to him and said, “Such a fine little child is left behind by the men.” He then took Sun up, and put it into his awa-skin (on his back). When it burnt him, he said, “Get down,” and shook himself; but Sun stuck fast to his back, and burnt Jackal’s back black from that day.
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Dreamtime Whispers 