South
African Folk-Tales
by James A. Honey
Origin
of the Difference in Modes of Life Between Hottentots and Bushmen
The
Tiger, the Ram, and the Jackal
The
Lion, the Jackal, and the Man
The
Story of Lion and Little Jackal
The
Dance For Water or Rabbit's Triumph
Another
Version of the Same Fable
Another
Version of the Same Fable
Tortoises
Hunting Ostriches
Lion
Who Thought Him Self Wiser Than His Mother
Why
Has Jackal a Long, Black Stripe On His Back?
Another
Version of the Same Fable
A
Third Version of the Same Fable
A
Fourth Version of the Same Fable
A
Zulu Version of the Legend of the "Origin of Death"
Tortoises Hunting Ostriches
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.
The text came from:
Honey, James A. South African Folk-tales. New York: Baker & Taylor Company, 1910.
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©Heidi
Anne Heiner, SurLaLune Fairy Tales
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Page last updated September 6, 2006
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