Once upon a time the animals made a kraal and put some fat in it. They agreed that one of their number should remain to be the keeper of the gate. The first one that was appointed was the coney (imbila). He agreed to take charge, and all the others went away. In a short…
Tag: James A. Honey
Top 5 Most Cunning Lies in Fairy and Folk Tales
Lies and liars have always been an important theme in fairy tales and every tradition has got it’s own takes on the morality of lies. There are countless portrays of liars in fairy and folk tales. Therefore fairy tales provide us with a lot of insight into the world’s cultures. There are so many tales that…
JACKAL’S BRIDE (South-African Folk-Tales, 1910) by James A. Honey
Jackal, it is said, married Hyena, and carried off a cow belonging to the ants, to slaughter her for the wedding; and when he had slaughtered her, he put the cowskin over his bride; and when he had fixed a pole (on which to hang the flesh), he placed on the top of the pole…
LION’S SHARE (South-African Folk-Tales, 1910) by James A. Honey
Lion and Jackal went together a-hunting. They shot with arrows. Lion shot first, but his arrow fell short of its aim; but Jackal hit the game, and joyfully cried out, “It has hit.” Lion looked at him with his two large eyes; Jackal, however, did not lose his countenance, but said, “No, uncle, I mean…
JACKAL AND MONKEY (South-African Folk-Tales, 1910) by James A. Honey
Every evening Jackal went to the Boer’s kraal. He crept through the sliding door and stole a fat young lamb. This, clever Jackal did several times in succession. Boer set a wip for him at the door. Jackal went again and zip—there he was caught around the body by the noose. He swung and swayed high…
THE DANCE FOR WATER OR RABBIT’S TRIUMPH (South-African Folk-Tales, 1910) by James A. Honey
There was a frightful drought. The rivers after a while dried up and even the springs gave no water. The animals wandered around seeking drink, but to no avail. Nowhere was water to be found. A great gathering of animals was held: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Jackal, Elephant, all of them came together. What was to…