Long ago, in the dusty villages of Southern Africa, a Jackal and a Wolf set out to find a master. They offered their strength and service to a man, hoping to earn food and shelter in return. To the Wolf, it was honest work. To the Jackal, however, it was another chance to weave mischief.
As night fell, the house grew quiet. Wolf curled up and drifted into deep sleep, his breath slow and steady. Jackal, restless and cunning, eyed the fat stored by their master. His stomach rumbled, and his greed awoke. Creeping softly across the room, he dipped Wolf’s bushy tail into the jar of fat, smearing it thick with grease. Once satisfied, he licked his paws and devoured the rest of the fat until nothing remained but a faint smell.
When morning came, the man went to his store and found his precious fat missing. His anger flared, and he stormed toward his servants. His eyes narrowed on Jackal, but the trickster was ready.
“Master,” Jackal said with feigned innocence, “look to Wolf’s tail and you shall know who the thief is.”
The man turned, and indeed, the Wolf’s tail glistened with fat. Without hesitation, he grabbed a stick and thrashed the poor Wolf until he was half-dead. Jackal stood aside, pretending to look shocked, though his heart danced with wicked laughter.
Wolf staggered, bruised and broken, his trust shattered. He had thought Jackal a companion, but betrayal had left him wounded, both in body and spirit.
Moral of the Story
This folktale teaches that betrayal may shield the cunning for a while, but it destroys trust and brings suffering to the innocent. It warns us to be careful of companions who smile with their lips while hiding deceit in their hearts. True loyalty cannot grow in the soil of trickery.
Knowledge Check
1. What is the key lesson of the Jackal and Wolf story?
That betrayal by trusted friends can cause great harm and suffering.
2. Why did the man punish Wolf instead of Jackal?
Because Jackal deceived him by smearing fat on Wolf’s tail as false evidence.
3. How does this story portray betrayal in African folktales?
It shows betrayal as a destructive force that ruins friendships and trust.
4. Why is Jackal often portrayed as cunning in traditional tales?
Because trickery and deceit are his defining traits across many oral traditions.
5. What makes Wolf the true victim in the tale?
He was innocent but suffered punishment due to Jackal’s deceit.
6. What is the focus keyword of this story?
Betrayal.
Cultural Origin: This folktale comes from the storytelling traditions of Southern Africa, where Jackal often appears as a trickster figure who survives through cunning at the expense of others.
