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
The
Zebra Stallion
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"
The Zebra Stallion
THE Baboons, it is said, used to disturb the Zebra Mares in drinking. But one of the Mares became the mother of a foal. The others then helped her to suckle [the young stallion], that he might soon grow up.
When he was grown up and they were in want of water, he brought them to the water. The Baboons, seeing this, came, as they formerly were used to do, into their way, and kept them from the water.
While the Mares stood thus, the Stallion stepped forward, and spoke to one of the Baboons, "Thou gum-eater's child!"
The Baboon said to the Stallion, "Please open tby mouth, that I may see what thou livest on." The Stallion opened his mouth, and it was milky.
Then the Stallion said to the Baboon, "Please open thy mouth also, tbat I may see, "The Baboon did so, and there was some gum in it. But the Baboon quickly licked some milk off the Stallion's tongue. The Stallion on this became angry, took the Baboon by his shoulders, and pressed him upon a hot, flat rock. Since that day the Baboon has a bald place on his back.
The Baboon said, lamenting, "I, my mother's child, I, the gum-eater, am outdone by this milkeater!
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
E-mail: surlalune@aol.com
Page last updated September 6, 2006
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