How the ostrich lost his fire and other stories

“Grandma, grandma, tell us a story! Tell us a story!”

“The one about the hyena who forgot how to laugh! No! No! The one about the legendary Zulu warrior who killed the mighty demon with a single throw of his spear!”

“He he, okay children, let me tell you a story, a long, long time ago...”

A long, long time ago; legends and folk tales were used by people as a way of captivating the imagination of children and adults alike. Elders would use stories in order to impart the ways of the community, wisdom and morals to the rest and thereby also fostering a strong community spirit. Africa has always been a melting pot of thousands of different communities with their own specific cultures, traditions and stories!

Curious about why the warthog shuffles on his knees or how the ostrich lost his fire? Then read on for a collection of short animal stories from the Nama, San, Sotho, Xhosa and Zulu people.