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
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"
Origin of the Difference in Modes of Life Between Hottentots and Bushmen
IN the beginning there were two. One was blind, the other was always hunting. This hunter found at last a hole in the earth from which game proceeded and killed the young. The blind man, feeling and smelling them, said, "They are not game, but cattle."
The blind man afterwards recovered his sight, and going with the hunter to this hole, saw that they were cows with their calves. He then quickly built a kraal [fence made of thorns] round them, and anointed himself, just as Hottentots [in their native state] are still wont to do.
When the other, who now with great trouble had to seek his game, came and saw this, he wanted to anoint himself also. "Look here!" said the other, "you must throw the ointment into the fire, and afterwards use it." He followed this advice, and the flames flaring up into his face, burnt him most miserably; so that he was glad to make his escape. The other, however, called to him: "Here, take the kirri [a knobstick], and run to the hills to hunt there for honey."
Hence sprung the race of Bushmen.
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
www.surlalunefairytales.com
