Djokhrane, a Roman ancestor of Mahomet Amokrane’s grandfather, lived in T’kout during Roman times. In a conflict with a fellow Roman, Djokhrane was aided by a jay that pecked his adversary’s eyes, ensuring his victory. Grateful, Djokhrane forbade his descendants from eating jays, instructing them to free any captured. To this day, his descendants honor this tradition by liberating jays.
Source
Moorish Literature
romantic ballads, tales of the Berbers,
stories of the Kabyles, folk-lore,
and national traditions
The Colonial Press,
London, New York, 1901
► Themes of the story
Divine Intervention: The bird’s timely assistance suggests a higher power guiding Djokhrane to victory.
Moral Lessons: The tale teaches gratitude and respect for nature, as Djokhrane’s descendants continue to honor his pact with the jay.
Ancestral Spirits: The story emphasizes the importance of ancestral traditions and the influence of forebears on present customs.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Berber peoples
Translated by G. Mercier
and Chauncey C. Starkweather
The ancestor of the grandfather of Mahomet Amokrane was named Djokhrane. He was a Roman of old times, who lived at T’kout at the period of the Romans. One of his countrymen rose against them, and they fought. This Roman had the advantage, until a bird of the kind called jays came to the assistance of Djokhrane, and pecked the Roman in the eyes until he saved his adversary. From that time forth he remained a friend to Djokhrane. The latter said to his children:
“As long as you live, never eat this bird. If you meet anyone who brings one of these birds to eat, buy it and set it free.” To this day when anyone brings a jay to one of his descendants, he buys it for silver and gives it liberty. This story is true, and is not a lie.
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Dreamtime Whispers 