“Hawu, hawu, hawu, my children,” began Gogo one evening as her grandchildren gathered around her. “Cleverness is a very important gift to own. It has helped Nogwaja escape the cooking pot more than once!”
Little Sipho, whose nickname was Mpungushe, perked up with pride. Gogo herself had given him that name because as a baby he howled loudly like a jackal. Sipho preferred to think it was because he was quick and clever like the Jackal of the stories. “The Jackal is also a clever animal, isn’t he, Gogo?” he asked eagerly.
Gogo chuckled warmly and looked down at the boy. “Yes, my child, you are right. Jackal is clever indeed. Sometimes he is even too clever for his own good!”
Sipho’s eyes widened. “I remember how he helped Jabu the herdboy by tricking Bhubesi, the Lion, back into the snare. Tell us another tale about Jackal, Gogo!”
“Yes, Gogo, please tell us,” the other children chorused.
“Very well,” said Gogo, settling herself more comfortably on the tree stump. “But you must listen and learn. Kwasuka sukela, once upon a time…”
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Long ago, Jackal was trotting through a narrow, rocky pass. His nose stayed close to the ground, sniffing the air for the faintest trace of food. “One never knows when a meal may be hiding nearby,” he thought. Even though the sun was high and the chance of finding a rat was small, perhaps a lizard or two could be caught.
Suddenly Jackal froze. His sharp eyes caught movement ahead on the path. His heart sank when he saw who it was. “Oh no,” he whispered. Lion was coming straight toward him.
Jackal knew that escape was impossible. The path was too narrow, and Lion was too close. Fear tightened his chest, for he had played many tricks on Lion in the past. Surely this time the great Bhubesi would seize the chance for revenge.
But Jackal was no ordinary animal. His mind worked quickly, and in the blink of an eye, he thought of a plan.
“Help! Help!” cried Jackal, dropping low on the rocky path. His cry echoed off the cliffs as he crouched down, trembling.
Lion stopped in his tracks, surprised. “What is the matter with you, Jackal?”
“Help!” Jackal howled again, his voice full of fear. He pointed upward with a trembling paw. “Oh great Nkosi, look above us! Those rocks are about to fall. Any moment now we shall both be crushed to death. Oh mighty Lion, use your strength to save us!”
Lion looked up. Sure enough, the jagged rocks hung above them, silent and still, yet the urgency in Jackal’s voice stirred panic. Without thinking further, Lion pressed his powerful shoulder against the largest rock, bracing himself.
“Hold it there, great King!” cried Jackal. “You are saving us both. Let me fetch a log to prop the rock before it falls. I will be quick!”
And off Jackal ran. His paws kicked up dust as he bounded down the path, his tail streaming behind him. In a heartbeat, he was out of sight.
Back on the cliff path, Lion remained pressed against the rock, muscles straining as sweat dripped down his brow. Minutes stretched into hours, but no Jackal returned. Slowly, painfully, the truth dawned upon him. The rock was not moving at all. There had never been any danger. It was yet another trick, and he, the mighty King of Beasts, had fallen for it once again.
How long Lion stood there, no one truly knows. But this much is certain: Jackal lived on by his cleverness and his wits, always escaping even the strongest of enemies.
Moral Lesson
The story of Clever Jackal Gets Away teaches that cleverness can overcome strength. Even when faced with danger, Jackal’s quick mind saved him. The tale reminds us that in life, wisdom and sharp thinking often bring success more than power alone.
Knowledge Check
Who tells the story of Clever Jackal Gets Away in this folktale?
Gogo, the grandmother, shares the story with her grandchildren.Why did Jackal fear Lion in this folktale?
He feared revenge because he had tricked Lion many times before.What clever plan did Jackal use against Lion?
He convinced Lion to hold up the rocks by pretending they were about to fall.How did Jackal escape safely in Clever Jackal Gets Away?
He ran away while Lion was distracted holding the rock.What lesson does the story teach about cleverness in the Kenya folktale?
It shows that quick thinking and intelligence can defeat even the strongest foe.What cultural origin does Clever Jackal Gets Away belong to?
It is a traditional Kenya folktale from Eastern Africa.
Origin: Kenya folktale, Eastern Africa
