To celebrate his marriage to Hyena, Jackal built a kitchen on a high platform. He cooked a beef stew, and he also wrapped a sharp rock in fat, putting it in the pot. “Come, animals, and enjoy the feast!” he announced.
“Me first!” Lion shouted, and Jackal hauled him up with a rope. Then, near the top, Jackal cut the rope, and Lion fell.
“I’m sorry!” Jackal said. “That was an old rope. I’ll use a new one!”
Jackal hauled Lion up again.
“Open wide!” Jackal said, stuffing the hot rock into Lion’s mouth. When Lion swallowed it, he died.
[a Khoekhoe story from Namibia]
Inspired by: "The Jackal's Bride" in Reynard the fox in South Africa; or, Hottentot fables and tales by W. Bleek, 1864.
Notes: You can read the original story online. The original story combines two plots: one plot is about Jackal stealing the cow; the other plot is about Jackal tricking Lion. You can read the other story here: Hyena's Wedding Dress.
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