Sunday, July 31, 2016

C137. Baer (p. 132). Brother Rabbit Conquers Brother Lion

This is Chase137.

Types ATU0092 Lion Dives for Own Reflection
Motifs
K1715.1 Lion Dives for Own Reflection
Notes

Mbiti's Akamba Stories (6. lion and hare), lion eats an animal each day; when it's hare's turn, he tricks lion into jumping in pond

Baer then cites Kathasaritsagara (via a reference in Mofokeng)... and Mofokeng says it is known in Nigeria among the Hausa

conclusion: "It is possible that Africa is the source of this version; but in view of the history and wide spread of the tale, one cannot be sure."


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Baer does not seem to be using the Indian Panchatantra or Jatakas as a reference, even though they are really important via Islamic tradition for African (North African) storytelling. It seems clear to me that this is Indian story which reached southern U.S. by way of Africa.

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