In the heart of the African wilderness, where neighboring farms stretched across the golden savanna, there lived a jackal who had earned himself quite a reputation. Not because he was truly the most capable or enlightened creature in the area, but because he possessed an extraordinary talent for appearing so. The well-bred animals of the community, too polite to hurt his feelings, had taken to calling him “a progressive man” rather than the more accurate descriptions that others whispered behind his back, “cunning scamp” or “all-wise rat-trap.”
This jackal had mastered the art of deception through seemingly sophisticated behavior. He spoke English most of the time, particularly when he suspected others couldn’t understand him, and carried himself with the dignified bearing of a judge during public gatherings. His smooth tongue could weave impressive speeches, and he excelled at pointing out the supposed backwardness of his neighbors. Yet beneath this polished exterior lay the truth: he was perhaps the most unlettered creature in the vicinity. However, his natural cunning was so perfectly controlled that he had managed to navigate life triumphantly, fooling everyone into believing he possessed great wisdom and ability.
One incident revealed both his cleverness and his vanity. While attempting to raid a Boer farmer’s goose pen ,a plan he had been scheming for weeks, the jackal found himself caught in an iron trap. His beautiful tail, which he had always admired greatly, was firmly clamped in the metal jaws. As the farmer’s dogs came barking toward him, the jackal realized his predicament. Mustering all his strength, he made a desperate decision and pulled until his prized tail broke clean off, leaving him free but forever changed.
Despite this mishap, the jackal’s reputation for intelligence only seemed to grow. His neighbor, Tiger, held him in particularly high regard. Tiger was a simple, honest creature who worked hard on his farm, which bordered the jackal’s property. When Tiger’s children reached school age, he found himself in need of an educator for his seven little ones.
“Cousin Jackal,” Tiger approached him one day, “I’ve been thinking about my children’s education. Would you consider teaching them? I know it’s not exactly your profession, but I would trust no one else with such an important task.”
The jackal’s eyes gleamed with opportunity, though he maintained his modest facade. “Teaching is not my usual vocation,” he replied thoughtfully, “but I suppose I could do it to pass the time and out of friendship for you, my dear neighbor. After all, we’ve been such good friends, living side by side as we do.”
Tiger’s gratitude was overwhelming. “Do not be so humble about your goodness, Cousin Jackal!” he laughed heartily. “We know your true worth. I would rather entrust my offspring to you than to the many so-called schoolmasters around here. It is my wife’s wish as well as mine to have our children receive a progressive education to become the kind of individuals who, with abilities like yours, can take their rightful places in this world.”
After consulting with Tiger’s wife about the arrangements, they agreed that the children would begin their education the following day. As they finalized the details, the jackal presented his conditions with careful calculation.
“I’ve just thought of something,” he said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Seven children, in addition to my own little ones, will be quite a responsibility. You’ll need to send over a fat lamb each week to help with their care. And to ensure they don’t become distracted from their studies, the children will need to give up the idea of visiting home for some time. When I believe they’ve become properly disciplined in their learning, I’ll let you know, and then you may come to take them for a brief visit, but not until then.”
He paused, as if another important consideration had just occurred to him. “It would also be better if they don’t see you for the first while it might make them homesick and interfere with their progress. However, your wife may come to see them every Saturday, and I’ll take care of everything else.”
The next morning brought heartbreaking scenes as the seven young tigers prepared to leave their parents. There was unearthly howling and wailing as the children clung to their mother and father. But Tiger and his wife gently explained that this separation was for the best, that someday the children would understand it was all done out of love and kindness for their future. Eventually, with heavy hearts, the parents watched their children depart with Jackal.
The first Saturday couldn’t come quickly enough for Mrs. Tiger. Early that morning, unable to wait any longer, she set off toward Jackal’s dwelling, her heart full of longing to see her children. She was still far from the house when Jackal spotted her approaching. Ever the picture of neighborly courtesy, he stepped out to meet her on the path.
After their polite greetings, Mrs. Tiger’s first anxious question poured forth: “Well, Cousin Jackal, how is everything going with my little ones? Are they all still well and happy? I do hope they’re not giving you too much trouble.”
Jackal’s response was smooth and reassuring, though he was careful to keep the conversation brief and prevent her from getting too close to the house. He spoke of the children’s progress and their adjustment to their new routine, painting a picture of busy, productive young minds at work.
When Mrs. Tiger returned the following Saturday, something felt different. The house seemed unusually quiet, and an eerie stillness hung over the entire property. Everything appeared to have a strangely deserted quality that made her uneasy. She walked directly to the front door, hoping to catch a glimpse of her children or at least hear their voices.
Instead of finding her family, she discovered a letter tucked into the grass near the doorway. With trembling paws, she unfolded it and read the message written in Jackal’s familiar handwriting:
“We have gone for a picnic with the children. From there we will travel to Jackals dance for the New Year celebrations. This outing is necessary for the completion of their progressive education.
Saturday after Saturday, Mrs. Tiger made the heartbreaking journey to Jackal’s house, each time hoping to find her children returned from their extended “educational trip.” But with each visit, the property looked increasingly abandoned. Weeds grew taller, dust gathered thicker, and eventually, spider webs stretched across the doorway. The trail markings in the dirt showed that even Snake had moved in, making his home in the deserted dwelling.
The terrible truth slowly became clear: the cunning jackal had deceived them all. He had taken their children and disappeared, leaving behind only empty promises and a house that would never again echo with the sounds of learning or laughter.
Moral Lesson
This folktale serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of being deceived by smooth words and false appearances. It reminds us that true wisdom and character are demonstrated through consistent actions and genuine care for others, not through impressive speeches or claims of superiority. The story also highlights the importance of thoroughly knowing someone’s character before entrusting them with what we hold most precious.
Knowledge Check
Q1: What reputation did the Jackal earn in his community and why? A1: The Jackal was known as “a progressive man” because he spoke English frequently (especially around those who couldn’t understand it), carried himself like a judge in public, and gave impressive speeches criticizing others’ backwardness. However, he was actually the most unlettered creature in the area, using natural cunning to maintain his false reputation.
Q2: How did the Jackal lose his tail and what does this reveal about his character? A2: The Jackal lost his tail when it got caught in an iron trap while he was trying to steal from a Boer farmer’s goose pen. He pulled so hard to escape the approaching dogs that his tail broke off completely. This incident reveals both his scheming nature (planning the theft) and his vanity (he greatly admired his tail).
Q3: What conditions did the Jackal set for educating Tiger’s children? A3: The Jackal demanded that Tiger send a fat lamb each week, that the children give up home visits indefinitely, that Tiger himself not visit the children initially, and that only Mrs. Tiger could visit on Saturdays. These conditions were designed to isolate the children and prevent the parents from discovering his deception.
Q4: What happened to Tiger’s seven children in the story? A4: The Jackal took Tiger’s children under the pretense of educating them but actually disappeared with them. He left a note claiming they had gone on a “picnic” and then to “Jackals dance for New Year,” but his house became completely abandoned, suggesting he had fled with the children permanently.
Q5: What cultural significance does this African folktale hold? A5: This African folktale serves as a cautionary tale about trust, deception, and the dangers of being misled by superficial appearances. It reflects common themes in African oral tradition that warn communities about recognizing false wisdom and protecting vulnerable members (especially children) from predators who use charm and false credentials to gain access.
Q6: What is the main moral lesson of “The Lion and Jackal” folktale? A6: The primary moral teaches that we should not be deceived by smooth words, impressive appearances, or claims of superiority. True character and wisdom are revealed through consistent, caring actions rather than eloquent speeches. The story emphasizes the importance of thoroughly knowing someone before entrusting them with precious responsibilities, especially involving children.
