The Ostrich's Feather A Story About Cleverness and Humility in 17th Century South Africa?

Folklore, those vibrant tapestries woven from the threads of ancestral memory and oral tradition, hold within them a universe of wisdom, morality, and cultural insight. They are windows into the past, reflecting the beliefs, fears, and aspirations of generations gone by. Today, we delve into the rich folklore of 17th century South Africa, unearthing a delightful tale titled “The Ostrich’s Feather.”

This captivating story revolves around an ostrich – a creature often associated with pride and vanity due to its striking plumage – who learns a valuable lesson about humility and the true meaning of beauty. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the sprawling South African savanna, teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

The plot commences with an ostentatious ostrich strutting through the grasslands, flaunting its magnificent feathers and boasting incessantly about its superior appearance. Other animals, such as the nimble meerkat and the wise old tortoise, grow weary of the ostrich’s ceaseless bragging. They try to reason with it, reminding the ostrich that true beauty lies not in outward adornment but in inner qualities like kindness, generosity, and humility.

However, the ostrich remains unconvinced. It continues its self-absorbed parade, completely oblivious to the growing discontent amongst the other creatures. One day, a cunning jackal overhears the ostrich’s relentless boasting. Sensing an opportunity, the jackal approaches the ostrich with feigned admiration.

It lauds the ostrich’s feathers, claiming they are the most exquisite in the entire savanna and even suggesting that they possess magical properties. The ostrich, intoxicated by the jackal’s flattery, readily believes this nonsense. It allows the jackal to pluck a single feather from its tail, promising that it will return the favor once the feather’s “magical” power is unleashed.

The jackal, with the stolen feather in tow, then sets off to deceive other animals, claiming the ostrich’s plume can grant wishes or bring good fortune. Naive creatures like the meerkat and the tortoise fall prey to the jackal’s ruse, handing over valuable possessions in exchange for a touch of the “magical” feather.

The ostrich, meanwhile, continues its oblivious prancing. It eagerly awaits the return of its feather, imagining the wondrous rewards it will reap from its supposed magical properties. However, as days turn into nights, the ostrich realizes something is amiss. The jackal has vanished, and its precious feather is gone forever.

Humiliated and stripped of its prized possession, the ostrich finally understands the folly of its vanity. It learns that true beauty lies not in superficial adornment but in genuine character traits like humility, kindness, and compassion.

The story of “The Ostrich’s Feather” serves as a potent reminder against the pitfalls of arrogance and the importance of inner virtue. The ostrich’s initial pride and boasting ultimately lead to its downfall.

Through this tale, we are taught that true beauty stems from within. It is not about outward appearances or material possessions but about the qualities of our character.

Here are some key takeaways from “The Ostrich’s Feather”:

“The Ostrich’s Feather” is not merely a whimsical tale; it delves into deeper philosophical themes. It encourages self-reflection and reminds us to prioritize inner virtues over superficial accolades. Ultimately, this charming South African folk story leaves us with a timeless message: let your actions and character speak louder than your appearance.