The Princess and the River People (Nya-nya Bulembu, the Magic Helper)
Xhosa folktale · iintsomi
Kwesukasukela. A girl was driven from her home, in some tellings by a jealous co-wife of her mother or by ill-treatment, and she wandered alone into the wild and dangerous country. On her journey she behaved with kindness and good manners: she greeted the old and the strange beings she met with respect, shared what little she had, and did the tasks she was asked to do without complaint. She came at last to the home of strange beings, the people of the river or an old woman with magical power, and because of her courtesy and obedience she was rewarded with beauty, cattle, fine clothing, and good fortune. When she returned home transformed and wealthy, her jealous step-sister or rival, seeing the girl's good luck, set out on the same road determined to win the same rewards. But the proud and greedy girl was rude to the beings she met, refused the humble tasks, mocked the old woman, and demanded riches without earning them. For her arrogance she was punished, returning home in disgrace or worse. The contrast taught listeners the value of humility and good conduct. Cosu cosu iyaphela intsomi.
The lesson: Kindness, humility, and good manners are rewarded, while greed and disrespect bring ruin upon the proud.