Lion’s Defeat

The animals once gathered at Lion’s. While Lion slept, Jackal tricked Little Fox into tying Lion’s tail to a shrub with ostrich sinews. When Lion awoke, he angrily interrogated the animals. All denied guilt except Little Fox, who confessed. Lion broke free and chased Little Fox but failed to catch him, proving Jackal’s boast of Little Fox’s speed. Lion was defeated.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Trickster: Jackal plays the role of the cunning trickster by persuading Little Fox to tie Lion’s tail, leading to Lion’s embarrassment.

Good vs. Evil: The narrative contrasts the mischievous yet harmless intentions of the animals against Lion’s potential for violence, illustrating the struggle between opposing forces.

Moral Lessons: The tale imparts lessons about the consequences of pride and the value of intelligence over physical power.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

The wild animals, it is said, were once assembled at Lion’s. When Lion was asleep, Jackal persuaded Little Fox to twist a rope of ostrich sinews, in order to play Lion a trick. They took ostrich sinews, twisted them, and fastened the rope to Lion’s tail, and the other end of the rope they tied to a shrub. When Lion awoke, and saw that he was tied up, he became angry, and called the animals together. When they had assembled, Lion said (using this form of conjuration):

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“What child of his mother and father’s love,
Whose mother and father’s love has tied me?”

Then answered the animal to whom the question was first put:

“I, child of my mother and father’s love,
I, mother and father’s love, I have not done it.”

All answered the same; but when he asked Little Fox, Little Fox said:

“I, child of my mother and father’s love,
I, mother and father’s love, have tied thee!”

Then Lion tore the rope made of sinews, and ran after Little Fox. But Jackal said:

“My boy, thou son of lean Mrs. Fox, thou wilt never be caught.”

Truly Lion was thus beaten in running by Little Fox.

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Lion Who Thought Himself Wiser Than His Mother

Lion and Gurikhoisip quarreled over who would go to the rain-field, ultimately parting angrily. Ignoring his mother’s warning about Man’s weapons and dogs, Lion ambushed Gurikhoisip. Gurikhoisip, aided by his dogs, speared Lion, who fled wounded. Despite his mother’s earlier cautions, Lion succumbed to his injuries while lamenting. His mother mourned him, recalling her warnings about Gurikhoisip’s strength and weapons.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Tragic Flaw: Lion’s arrogance and overconfidence result in his demise.

Moral Lessons: The narrative teaches the importance of heeding wise counsel and the consequences of hubris.

Family Dynamics: The interaction between Lion and his mother highlights familial relationships and the impact of defying parental guidance.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

It is said that when Lion and Gurikhoisip (the Only man), together with Baboon, Buffalo, and other friends, were playing one day at a certain game, there was a thunderstorm and rain at Aroxaams. Lion and Gurikhoisip began to quarrel. “I shall run to the rain-field,” said Lion. Gurikhoisip said also, “I shall run to the rain-field.” As neither would concede this to the other, they separated (angrily). After they had parted, Lion went to tell his Mother those things which they had both said.

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His Mother said to him, “My son! that Man whose head is in a line with his shoulders and breast, who has pinching weapons, who keeps white dogs, who goes about wearing the tuft of a tiger’s tail, beware of him!” Lion, however, said, “Why need I be on my guard against those whom I know?” Lioness answered, “My Son, take care of him who has pinching weapons!” But Lion would not follow his Mother’s advice, and the same morning, when it was still pitch dark, he went to Aroxaams, and laid himself in ambush. Gurikhoisip went also that morning to the same place. When he had arrived he let his dogs drink, and then bathe. After they had finished they wallowed. Then also Man drank; and, when he had done drinking, Lion came out of the bush. Dogs surrounded him as his Mother had foretold, and he was speared by Gurikhoisip. Just as he became aware that he was speared, the Dogs drew him down again. In this manner he grew faint. While he was in this state, Gurikhoisip said to the Dogs, “Let him alone now, that he may go and be taught by his Mother.” So the Dogs let him go. They left him, and went home as he lay there. The same night he walked towards home, but whilst he was on the way his strength failed him, and he lamented:

“Mother! take me up!
Grandmother! take me up! Oh me! Alas!”

At the dawn of day his Mother heard his wailing, and said–

“My Son, this is the thing which I have told thee:
“‘Beware of the one who has pinching weapons,
Who wears a tuft of tiger’s tail,
Of him who has white dogs!
Alas! thou son of her who is short-eared,
Thou, my short-eared child!
Son of her who eats raw flesh,
Thou flesh-devourer;
Son of her whose nostrils are red from the prey,
Thou with blood-stained nostrils!
Son of her who drinks pit-water,
Thou water-drinker!'”

When Lion Could Fly

Lion once had the power to fly, making him invincible. He entrusted White Crows to guard bones at his kraal while hunting. When Great Frog broke the bones and challenged Lion to find him at a pool, Lion lost his flight. Despite attempting to catch Frog, Lion failed, forcing him to hunt on foot. The White Crows fell silent, unable to explain the events.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Cunning and Deception: Great Frog’s clever actions lead to Lion’s downfall, showcasing the use of wit to outsmart a more powerful adversary.

Mythical Creatures: The tale features anthropomorphic animals with extraordinary abilities, such as a flying lion and a talking frog.

Moral Lessons: The narrative imparts lessons about the consequences of pride and the effectiveness of intelligence over brute strength.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

Lion, it is said, used once to fly, and at that time nothing could live before him. As he was unwilling that the bones of what he caught should be broken into pieces, he made a pair of White Crows watch the bones, leaving them behind at the kraal whilst he went a-hunting. But one day Great Frog came there, broke the bones in pieces, and said, “Why can men and animals live no longer?” And he added these words, “When he comes, tell him that I live at yonder pool; if he wishes to see me, he must come there.”

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Lion, lying in wait (for game), wanted to fly up, but found he could not fly. Then he got angry, thinking that at the kraal something was wrong, and returned home. When he arrived he asked, “What have you done that I cannot fly?” Then they answered and said, “Some one came here, broke the bones into pieces, and said, ‘If he want me, he may look for me at yonder pool!'” Lion went, and arrived while Frog was sitting at the water’s edge, and he tried to creep stealthily upon him. When he was about to get hold of him, Frog said, “Ho!” and, diving, went to the other side of the pool, and sat there. Lion pursued him; but as he could not catch him he returned home.

From that day, it is said, Lion walked on his feet, and also began to creep upon (his game); and the White Crows became entirely dumb since the day that they said, “Nothing can be said of that matter.”

Lion and Baboon

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

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

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.]

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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.

The Judgment of Baboon

A tailor, Itkler, accuses Mouse of tearing his clothes, sparking a blame game involving Cat, Dog, Wood, Fire, Water, Elephant, and Ant. Baboon resolves the dispute by ordering each to punish the other. This chain reaction sows lifelong discord among them. Itkler thanks Baboon, who renames himself and begins walking on all fours, a consequence of his peculiar judgment.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Cunning and Deception: The characters engage in a series of accusations, each deflecting blame onto another, showcasing a web of deceit.

Revenge and Justice: Baboon’s unique method of resolving the dispute by ordering each character to punish the other reflects an unconventional pursuit of justice.

Moral Lessons: The tale imparts lessons about the consequences of blame-shifting and the importance of accountability within a community.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

Mouse had torn the clothes of Itkler (the tailor), who then went to Baboon, and accused Mouse with these words: “In this manner I come to thee: Mouse has torn my clothes, but will not know anything of it, and accuses Cat; Cat protests likewise her innocence, and says, ‘Dog must have done it’; but Dog denies it also, and declares Wood has done it; and Wood throws the blame on Fire, and says, ‘Fire did it’; Fire says, ‘I have not, Water did it’; Water says, ‘Elephant tore the clothes’; and Elephant says, ‘Ant tore them.’ Thus a dispute has arisen among them. Therefore, I, Itkler, come to thee with this proposition: Assemble the people and try them in order that I may get satisfaction.”

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Thus he spake, and Baboon assembled them for trial. Then they made the same excuses which had been mentioned by Itkler, each one putting the blame upon the other.

So Baboon did not see any other way of punishing them, save through making them punish each other; he therefore said,

“Mouse, give Itkler satisfaction.”

Mouse, however, pleaded not guilty. But Baboon said, “Cat, bite Mouse.” She did so.

He then put the same question to Cat, and when she exculpated herself, Baboon called to Dog, “Here, bite Cat.”

In this manner Baboon questioned them all, one after the other, but they each denied the charge. Then he addressed the following words to them, and said,

“Wood, beat Dog.
Fire, burn Wood.
Water, quench Fire.
Elephant, drink Water.
Ant, bite Elephant in his most tender parts.”

They did so, and since that day they cannot any longer agree with each other.

Ant enters into Elephant’s most tender parts and bites him.

Elephant swallows Water.
Water quenches Fire.
Fire consumes Wood.
Wood beats Dog.
Dog bites Cat.
And Cat bites Mouse.

Through this judgment Itkler got satisfaction and addressed Baboon in the following manner:

“Yes! Now I am content, since I have received satisfaction, and with all my heart I thank thee, Baboon, because thou hast exercised justice on my behalf and given me redress.”

Then Baboon said, “From to-day I will not any longer be called Jan, but Baboon shall be my name.”

Since that time Baboon walks on all fours, having probably lost the privilege of walking erect through this foolish judgment.

Tortoise Hunting Ostriches

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

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

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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Elephant and Tortoise

Elephant and Rain dispute their importance, leading to Rain leaving. With water scarce, Elephant assigns Tortoise to guard the last lagoon. Various animals ask for water, but Tortoise refuses, citing Elephant’s ownership. Lion forces Tortoise and drinks, enabling all animals to drink. Elephant returns, swallows Tortoise in anger, but Tortoise destroys his organs from within, killing Elephant and emerging unharmed.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Conflict with Nature: The initial dispute between Elephant and Rain highlights the tension between living beings and natural forces, emphasizing the dependence of creatures on environmental elements.

Sacrifice: Tortoise risks his own life by allowing himself to be swallowed by Elephant, a self-endangering act that ultimately leads to the liberation of water resources for all animals.

Moral Lessons: The narrative imparts lessons on the importance of resource sharing and the perils of hoarding essential commodities, illustrating that communal well-being surpasses individual ownership.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

Two powers, Elephant and Rain, had a dispute. Elephant said, “If you say that you nourish me, in what way is it that you say so?” Rain answered, “If you say that I do not nourish you, when I go away, will you not die?” And Rain then departed.

Elephant said, “Vulture! cast lots to make rain for me.” Vulture said, “I will not cast lots.” Then Elephant said to Crow, “Cast lots!” who answered, “Give the things with which I may cast lots.” Crow cast lots and rain fell. It rained at the lagoons, but they dried up, and only one lagoon remained.

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Elephant went a-hunting. There was, however, Tortoise, to whom Elephant said, “Tortoise, remain at the water!” Thus Tortoise was left behind when Elephant went a-hunting.

There came Giraffe, and said to Tortoise, “Give me water!” Tortoise answered, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Zebra, who said to Tortoise, “Give me water!” Tortoise answered, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Gemsbok, and said to Tortoise, “Give me water!” Tortoise answered, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Wildebeest, and said, “Give me water!” Tortoise said, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Roodebok, and said to Tortoise, “Give me water!” Tortoise answered, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Springbok, and said to Tortoise, “Give me water!” Tortoise said, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Jackal, and said to Tortoise, “Give me water!” Tortoise said, “The water belongs to Elephant.”

There came Lion, and said, “Little Tortoise, give me water!” When little Tortoise was about to say something, Lion got hold of him and beat him; Lion drank of the water, and since then the animals drink water.

When Elephant came back from the hunting, he said, “Little Tortoise, is there water?” Tortoise answered, “The animals have drunk the water.” Elephant asked, “Little Tortoise, shall I chew you or swallow you down?” Little Tortoise said, “Swallow me, if you please!” and Elephant swallowed him whole.

After Elephant had swallowed Little Tortoise, and he had entered his body, he tore off his liver, heart, and kidneys. Elephant said, “Little Tortoise, you kill me.”

So Elephant died; but little Tortoise came out of his dead body, and went wherever he liked.

Another version

Giraffe and Tortoise, they say, met one day. Giraffe said to Tortoise, “At once I could trample you to death.” Tortoise, being afraid, remained silent. Then Giraffe said, “At once I could swallow you.” Tortoise said, in answer to this, “Well, I just belong to the family of those whom it has always been customary to swallow.” Then Giraffe swallowed Tortoise; but when the latter was being gulped down, he stuck in Giraffe’s throat, and as the latter could not get it down, he was choked to death.

When Giraffe was dead, Tortoise crawled out and went to Crab (who is considered as the mother of Tortoise), and told her what had happened. Then Crab said:

“The little Crab! I could sprinkle it under its arm with Boochoo,
[in token of approval, according to a Hottentot custom]
The crooked-legged little one, I could sprinkle under its arm.”

Tortoise answered its mother and said:

“Have you not always sprinkled me,
That you want to sprinkle me now?”

Then they went and fed for a whole year on the remains of Giraffe.

Cock and Jackal

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

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

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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Jackal, Dove, and Heron

A jackal demanded dove chicks, threatening to fly if refused. The dove, believing him, reluctantly surrendered her young. Heron advised the dove that jackals cannot fly and to resist further demands. When the jackal learned of Heron’s guidance, he deceived and attacked Heron, breaking his neck. This tale explains why herons have bent necks and highlights gullibility’s consequences.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Trickster: The jackal employs deceit, threatening to fly to coerce the dove into surrendering her chicks.

Moral Lessons: The tale imparts lessons on gullibility and the consequences of naivety.

Origin of Things: The story provides an etiological explanation for the heron’s bent neck.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

Jackal, it is said, came once to Dove, who lived on the top of a rock, and said, “Give me one of your little ones.” Dove answered, “I shall not do anything of the kind.”

Jackal said, “Give me it at once! Otherwise, I shall fly up to you.” Then she threw one down to him.

He came back another day and demanded another little one, and she gave it to him. After Jackal had gone, Heron came, and asked, “Dove, why do you cry?”

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Dove answered him, “Jackal has taken away my little ones; it is for this that I cry.” He asked her, “In what manner did he take them?” She answered him, “When he asked me I refused him; but when he said, ‘I shall at once fly up, therefore give me it,’ I threw it down to him.”

Heron said, “Are you such a fool as to give your young ones to Jackal, who cannot fly?” Then, with the admonition to give no more, he went away.

Jackal came again, and said, “Dove, give me a little one.” Dove refused, and told him that Heron had told her that he could not fly up. Jackal said, “I shall catch him.”

So when Heron came to the banks of the water, Jackal asked him: “Brother Heron, when the wind comes from this side, how will you stand?” He turned his neck towards him and said, “I stand thus, bending my neck on one side.” Jackal asked him again, “When a storm comes and when it rains, how do you stand?” He said to him: “I stand thus, indeed, bending my neck down.”

Then Jackal beat him on his neck, and broke his neck in the middle.

Since that day Heron’s neck is bent.

Lion’s Illness

When Lion fell ill, Jackal avoided visiting, noticing no visitors returned. Hyena accused him of neglect, prompting Lion to summon Jackal. Jackal explained he sought a witch doctor’s remedy: wearing Hyena’s freshly removed skin. Lion, believing this, captured Hyena, skinned her while she howled, and wore the warm hide, sparing Jackal and turning Hyena’s accusation against her.

Source
South-African Folk Tales
by James A. Honey, M.D.
New York,1910

► Themes of the story

Cunning and Deception: Jackal uses cleverness to avoid harm by deceiving Lion into targeting Hyena instead.

Revenge and Justice: Hyena’s false accusation leads to her punishment, serving as a form of poetic justice.

Moral Lessons: The tale imparts lessons about the consequences of deceit and false accusations.

► From the same Region or People

South Africa
- Bushmen Lore

Learn more about the Bushmen

Lion, it is said, was ill, and they all went to see him in his suffering. But Jackal did not go, because the traces of the people who went to see him did not turn back. Thereupon, he was accused by Hyena, who said, “Though I go to look, yet Jackal does not want to come and look at the man’s sufferings.”

Then Lion let Hyena go, in order that she might catch Jackal; and she did so, and brought him.

Lion asked Jackal: “Why did you not come here to see me?”

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Jackal said, “Oh, no! when I heard that my uncle was so very ill, I went to the witch (doctor) to consult him, whether and what medicine would be good for my uncle against the pain. The doctor said to me, ‘Go and tell your uncle to take hold of Hyena and draw off her skin, and put it on while it is still warm. Then he will recover.’ Hyena is one who does not care for my uncle’s sufferings.”

Lion followed his advice, got hold of Hyena, drew the skin over her ears, whilst she howled with all her might, and put it on.