An old woman had milked her cow, set her milk-pail down on the ground, and gone to find some twigs and litter with which to light a fire and boil the milk. A magpie came along and dipped his bill into the milk-pail to get a drink of milk. The milk-pail was upset ‘and the […]
The Thousand-noted Nightingale and the King with three sons
A king wanted to build a church. A Hermit told him he would need the Thousand-noted Nightingale to sing at his church or the church would never be completed. The King had three sons they said: “We will go and bring it for you”. Then the three sons mounted their steeds and set forth. After […]
The ritual of the birdman cult, the Manutara of Motu Nui
The Sooty Tern breeds often in great colonies on remote rocky islands and reefs. One of its regular breeding-places is the small rocky island of Moto Nui, lying off the S.W. end of Easter Island close to the crater of Rano Kao. In this post is described the great annual ceremony which was observed by […]
The Pipit as an omen in Formosa, the Tayial tribe headhunters
In all important matters omens from birds are consulted by the Mountain People of Formosa. The bird usually selected by the Taiyal tribe is called Shi-ski Rekku, a kind of wagtail. This bird is believed to possess the power of regulating good and ill luck. It is held that, if its warning be neglected, it […]
Folklore Greece, the Sparrow who went walking and became too arrogant
There was or there was not a sparrow that went out for a walk. After he had gone up hill and down dale a thorn ran into his foot. Then he returned to town and went to the baker and begged him to take out the thorn. The baker graciously did so, and threw the […]
Folklore Zimbabwe, the Water fowl and the Land fowl
There was a water-fowl called a Quasi and a land-fowl called a Chinanga. The Quasi made friends with the Chinanga, and said, ” Now we are brothers.” He came to see him and brought him a fish and said, ” When you come to visit me, you must do the same.” Now some one came […]
Folklore Zimbabwe, Guineafowl and the little Fowl
A Guinea Fowl and a Fowl became friends ; the Guinea Fowl said, ” Now, we are brothers.” The Fowl went to visit the Guinea Fowl, and found a pot cooking on the fire. By and bye a friend came in and lifted the lid up. In the smoke the Guinea Fowl seemed to come […]
Folklore Zimbabwe, Ostrich and his little friend
A small wild fowl said to a large one, “Come, let us be friends; you come and eat at my house and I shall eat at yours. “The big one said, “Very well” ; and several times they ate at each other’s houses. At last the big one said, “You must only come twice more […]
Folklore Zimbabwe, Korhaan and the trees
There was a man who went to make a garden. First of all he cut down all the trees; which had to be cleared away and went home that night to sleep. Next day he came to dig; but there was no longer a clearing, for all the trees were growing again. He cut down […]
Folklore Rhodesia, The Wood Pigeon and the Child
There was a man and he caught a Wood Pigeon and he put it in a cage. When he went out to work he left the bird at home and he told his Child never to open the door. The first day the Child called all his friends to see it. Next day the Child […]