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 […]
Folklore Cameroon, Pigeon and Branch are no longer friends
Mourning Pigeon and Branch-of-Tree had been friends for many years. Truly, their friendship was great. Then one day Pigeon insulted Branch-of-Tree’s wife. “Let us adjust this thing that has come between us, lest our friendship be broken,” said he to Pigeon. “No, the matter will rest as it stands,” answered Pigeon, and then he flew […]
Folklore Namibia, the Hawk and the Leopard
Leopard and Hawk became friends. One day Leopard went to Hawk’s village to pay him a visit. Hawk said to himself, “What thing is it that I’ll cook for Leopard? I have nothing on hand.” Then he flew up into a tree. A fowl came into the village street, Kpwing! Hawk swooped down and caught […]
Folklore from Liberia, how the Sparrow fooled the King
The animals choose Eagle king, and feast him. Sparrow wishes to visit Eagle; but Eagle will pay him no attention unless he first drinks a pot full of palm-wine. If Sparrow succeeds in this. Eagle agrees to share with him his kingdom. Sparrow stipulates that after each drink of palm-wine he be allowed to fly […]