The Story of Tselane and the Cannibal
Sesotho folktale · ditšomo
Kwesukasukela... When a family moved to a new village, the parents went ahead but left their stubborn daughter Tselane behind in the old house for a few days, promising to bring her food. Each day her mother came and sang a sweet song at the door so Tselane would know it was safe to open. But an ogre, a cannibal called Limo, overheard the song and tried to imitate it. The first time, his voice was hoarse and deep, and Tselane refused to open, for she knew it was not her mother. The cannibal went away and swallowed hot stones, or had his tongue scraped, to sweeten his voice. The next day his song was high and clear like the mother's, and trusting Tselane unbarred the door. The cannibal seized her, stuffed her into his great sack, and carried her off to be eaten. Along the way he set the bag down and went aside; passing women heard Tselane's muffled cries, freed her, and filled the sack with stinging insects, dogs, or stones. When the cannibal opened it later expecting his meal, he was attacked and undone. Tselane was carried safely back to her parents. The tale warns children left alone to trust only the true voice and to be wary of clever disguises. Cosu cosu iyaphela.
The lesson: Beware of deceivers who disguise themselves as those you trust; listen carefully and do not be fooled by a sweetened voice.