In the early days, when the world was still young and the animals often gathered together, the plains were filled with laughter, song, and the crackle of shared fires. The sun shone brightly by day, but at night the cold crept in, and the animals learned to make fire to warm themselves and to cook their food.
One such day, the animals built a great fire in the center of the veld. They piled dry wood until the flames leapt high, sending sparks dancing into the air. Around the glowing fire, they placed a pot filled with fat that had been taken from a recent hunt. As the fat roasted, it bubbled and sizzled, filling the air with a delicious smell that spread across the land.
Soon, the animals gathered to enjoy the feast. They licked their lips in delight as they took their turns, each one sharing in the warm, rich taste of roasted fat. The air rang with happy voices as they enjoyed the gift of fire and food together.
Far away, Jackal caught the smell. His nose twitched, his ears pricked forward, and his belly growled with hunger. Jackal was always hungry. He was clever, quick, and sometimes greedy, and whenever food was near, he was never far behind.
Following the delicious scent, he crept closer and closer until he reached the circle of animals. His golden eyes glistened as he saw the fat roasting by the fire. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his tail swishing behind him.
“Friends,” said Jackal smoothly, bowing his head, “I too have come to share in this feast. Give me a piece of that fine roasted fat.”
The animals looked at one another. Some nodded in agreement, for it was their way to share. Others frowned, for Jackal was known for trickery and greed. Yet in the end, they decided to give him a portion. But whether by mischief or by mistake, they gave him a piece that was still burning hot, straight from the fire.
Jackal, proud and impatient, snatched the fat without waiting for it to cool. He tossed it onto his back to carry it away before anyone could change their minds. But the fat was blazing hot, and in an instant it seared into his skin.
With a sharp yelp, Jackal cried out. The fire burned through his fur, leaving a long black mark that stretched from his neck down to the tip of his tail. He dropped the fat, leapt into the air, and ran howling into the night.
The animals roared with laughter as they watched him flee. Some said it was punishment for his greed. Others said it was a lesson for his impatience. From that day on, Jackal bore the mark of his folly, a long black stripe running down his back where the fat had burnt him.
And even now, whenever you see Jackal in the wild, you will notice the dark stripe that tells the story of the day he could not wait, the day his hunger and pride marked him forever.
Moral Lesson of Why Has Jackal a Long Black Stripe on His Back
This folktale reminds us that greed and impatience often bring harm. Jackal wanted food so badly that he did not wait for it to cool, and he was scarred for life because of his haste. The story teaches that patience is a form of wisdom, and those who rush without thinking may carry the mark of their mistakes forever.
Knowledge Check
What were the animals cooking in Why Has Jackal a Long Black Stripe on His Back?
They were roasting fat over a great fire in the veld.How did Jackal learn about the feast?
He smelled the delicious scent of roasted fat and followed it to the animals’ fire.Why did the animals hesitate to share food with Jackal?
Because he was known for trickery and greed.What mistake did Jackal make with the piece of fat he was given?
He grabbed it while it was still burning hot and threw it onto his back.What happened to Jackal when the hot fat touched him?
It burnt his back, leaving a long black stripe that remained forever.What is the main lesson of Why Has Jackal a Long Black Stripe on His Back?
Greed and impatience lead to pain, while patience and wisdom prevent harm.Source: Western African folktale
