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OriginOfDeath

Parchment-style illustration of Atoc tearing divine rope from sky; Dinka folktale of death’s origin, South Sudan.

Atoc and the Rope to Heaven

African Folktales·Dinka Folktales·East African Folktales

In the time before death walked among humanity, the world existed in a state of wonder that modern hearts can scarcely imagine. When illness crept into a person’s body, bringing fever or weakness, there was no cause for despair. No families gathered in grief, no final farewells were spoken. Instead, the sick simply looked upward to where a magnificent rope

Parchment-style illustration of two warriors arguing as Jok approaches; Dinka folktale from South Sudan.

African Folktales·Dinka Folktales·East African Folktales

The Advent of Death

In the time before death became permanent, in the days when the world was still young and malleable, there existed an evil entity known as Jok. This dark force was cunning and malevolent, operating under the cover of darkness when the village was most vulnerable. Night after night, when the

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OriginOfDeath

Atoc and the Rope to Heaven

The Advent of Death

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