Long ago, in the wide deserts and open grasslands of southern Africa, there lived the ostrich. Back then, the ostrich was not the heavy running bird we know today. He had strong wings, bright feathers, and the gift of flight. The ostrich soared high above the land, gliding over rivers, dunes, and thorny acacia trees. Among all the birds, he was admired for his size and respected for his strength. But with this blessing came pride, and pride often calls trouble.
The San elders tell us that in those days, the animals lived close to one another. They shared the land and spoke in the language of spirits, where each sound carried meaning. The lion ruled the ground with his roar, the eagle claimed the skies with her cry, and the ostrich, being both large and winged, thought himself greater than them all. He would strut through the savannah saying, “Neither lion nor eagle can match me. I walk the earth, and I fly the heavens. Surely, I am the greatest of all.”
Now, prideful words travel fast. The animals grew tired of hearing the ostrich boast. Even the smaller birds mocked him in whispers, though they dared not do so to his face. The eagle, who had sharp eyes and a sharper spirit, decided it was time to humble him. One hot afternoon, she glided down from the clouds and landed before the ostrich. Her wings spread wide, her golden eyes fixed on him. “Brother Ostrich,” she said, “you boast of being the greatest. But let us see who truly rules the skies. Meet me tomorrow at sunrise. We will race to the top of the heavens, and whoever wins will hold the crown of flight.”
The ostrich laughed, shaking his long neck. “Eagle, your wings are strong, but mine are broader. You will see that no creature can outfly me.” With that, he strutted away, already dreaming of victory.
When morning came, the animals gathered to witness the contest. The jackals yipped in excitement, the antelopes stood still with their ears raised, and even the tortoise crept forward to watch. At the edge of the horizon, the first rays of sun painted the sky. The eagle and ostrich stood side by side, wings spread, ready to rise.
At the call of the lion, the race began. Both leaped into the air, their wings cutting through the morning sky. At first, the ostrich kept up, his huge wings lifting him high. He laughed as he flew, calling down to the animals below, “See how I soar! None can match me!” But the eagle rose faster, sharper, with every beat of her wings. She climbed higher into the clouds while the ostrich, heavy with pride, struggled to keep up. His wings grew tired, and his breath came short.
As the eagle vanished into the sun, the ostrich faltered. He flapped desperately, but his body weighed him down. At last, he fell. With a crash, he tumbled into the sand, raising dust around him. The animals gasped. The ostrich staggered to his feet, ashamed. His once-great wings drooped, heavy and useless. From that day, he could no longer lift himself into the air. The spirits of the land had punished his pride, taking away the gift of flight.
The ostrich still carried his wings, but they were now for balance, not for flying. He learned to run across the plains instead, his strong legs carrying him faster than many creatures on earth. Yet, whenever he saw birds in the sky, he remembered his fall and the lesson he had learned.
Moral Lesson: How the Ostrich Lost His Flight
The tale of the ostrich teaches us that pride often leads to downfall. When we boast too loudly and place ourselves above others, we may lose the very gifts we treasure most. True greatness is not in showing off but in living with humility and respect for all. The ostrich reminds us that every gift has its place, and every creature, whether on the ground or in the sky, has its worth.
Knowledge Check: How the Ostrich Lost His Flight
- What is the origin of the story How the Ostrich Lost His Flight?
This folktale comes from the San people of Namibia, who use oral storytelling to explain the nature of animals and their traits. - Why did the ostrich lose his ability to fly in the folktale?
He lost his flight because of his pride and boasting, which angered the spirits and led to his downfall. - What lesson does How the Ostrich Lost His Flight teach about pride?
The story teaches that pride can cause a person to lose their blessings, while humility brings respect and peace. - How does the eagle play a role in the ostrich’s downfall?
The eagle challenged the ostrich to a race to the sky, exposing his limits and showing that his pride was greater than his strength. - Why is the ostrich still important in San folktales today?
The ostrich is a reminder of the dangers of arrogance and also symbolizes speed, survival, and adaptation in the desert. - What makes How the Ostrich Lost His Flight a true origin tale?
It explains why ostriches cannot fly today, grounding their traits in a cultural story that carries wisdom and meaning.
Cultural Origin: San folktales from Namibia
