The Wonderful Horns (Litšoana, the Boy and His Magic Ox)
Sesotho folktale · ditšomo
Kwesukasukela... A poor boy, often the youngest and despised, was given a single ox by his father, or inherited one beast while his brothers took the rest. This ox was no ordinary animal: it was magical, and from its horns the boy could draw whatever he needed, food, clothing, even warriors, by speaking the right words. With his wonderful ox the boy prospered and was protected on dangerous journeys, the beast warning him of cannibals and enemies, and producing from its horns whatever would save him. The boy was warned to keep the ox's secret and never to abuse its power or boast of it. For a time all went well, and the once-scorned youngest became rich and respected. But when the secret was carelessly revealed, or the boy grew greedy and demanded too much, or enemies discovered and killed the ox, the magic was broken. Even then, in many tellings, from the dead ox's bones or horns a final gift sprang up to set the boy on his feet, a reward for the love between them. The tale honours the bond between herder and beast and teaches respect for the source of one's fortune. Cosu cosu iyaphela.
The lesson: Treasure and respect the source of your good fortune; greed and loose talk can break even the strongest magic.