
SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES
SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES - BY - JAMES A. HONEŸ, M.D.
SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES
INTRODUCTION
ORIGIN OF THE DIFFERENCE IN MODES OF LIFE BETWEEN HOTTENTOTS AND BUSHMEN
THE LOST MESSAGE
THE MONKEY'S FIDDLE
THE TIGER, THE RAM, AND THE JACKAL
THE JACKAL AND THE WOLF
A JACKAL AND A WOLF
This collection gathers a lively assortment of South‑African animal tales, many of them whispered around campfires by the Bushmen and passed down through generations. Listeners will hear clever foxes, boastful lions, and mischievous birds whose antics reflect a deep respect for nature and a keen sense of justice. The stories retain the simple, unadorned charm of their origins, offering a window into everyday life on the savanna rather than grand mythic epics.
Compiled from early English anthologies, Dutch translations, and the author’s own recollections, the volume preserves the authentic flavor of each narrative while remaining accessible to modern ears. It highlights the cultural crossroads where indigenous voices meet subtle European influences, giving a rare glimpse into a folklore tradition that has survived despite rapid societal change. Ideal for anyone fascinated by wildlife, oral history, or the rich tapestry of South‑African heritage.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (119K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Michael Hale, Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
Dec 19, 2011
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
b. 1880
Best known for gathering South African folk tales into a single early-20th-century collection, this writer helped preserve stories shaped by oral tradition, animal tricksters, and local legend. His work still offers a lively doorway into the storytelling culture of southern Africa.
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