The Two Sisters and the Pool
Sesotho folktale · ditšomo
Kwesukasukela... A kind girl and her unkind sister (or stepsister) lived in one homestead. The kind girl was sent on an errand or to fetch water, and along the way she met those in need: an old woman asking for help, a tree asking to be tended, a creature asking for food. Patiently and politely she helped each one. At the river or at a strange pool she behaved humbly, did exactly as a mysterious helper instructed, and chose the modest, plain reward rather than the showy one. She returned home blessed with cattle, fine things, or restored beauty. Seeing the kind sister's fortune, the unkind, lazy sister set out to win the same, but she scorned the old woman, ignored the tree and the creature, was rude at the pool, and grabbed greedily at the grandest reward. For her arrogance she was punished, returning home with snakes, sores, misfortune, or shame instead of riches. The two sisters' fates, set side by side, are a favourite teaching tale at the evening fire, showing children that courtesy, humility, and obedience to good counsel are rewarded, while pride and selfishness bring ruin. Cosu cosu iyaphela.
The lesson: Kindness, humility, and good manners are rewarded; selfishness, rudeness, and greed bring their own punishment.