The Jackal and the Lion
Xhosa folktale · iintsomi
Kwesukasukela. The jackal was the cleverest of the small animals, and the lion the strongest, and many tales tell how the little jackal outwitted the great king of beasts. In one tale, the lion had trapped the jackal and meant to eat him, but the jackal pointed to the reflection of the moon in a pool of water, claiming it was a great round of fat cheese sunk beneath the surface, and offered it to the lion if only he would drink the water away to reach it. The greedy lion drank and drank until he could drink no more, while the jackal slipped quietly away. In another, the jackal saved himself by flattery, praising the lion's strength and offering to be his humble servant, only to lead the lion into a trap or to steal the lion's meat behind his back. The jackal always survived by his wits, turning the lion's pride and hunger against him, while the lion, for all his power, was again and again left hungry and humiliated. These tales delighted listeners because they showed that brute strength is no match for a quick mind. Cosu cosu, iyaphela intsomi.
The lesson: Strength and pride are easily led astray by greed; a sharp wit can defeat the mightiest opponent.