African Tale
The Lion and the Cunning Jackal
In this African fairy tale, an old jackal gets into trouble. In the end, however, he overcomes fear and manages to trick the mighty lion.
Once upon a time, far far
“But which of my three daughters shall I choose?” the king wondered. Then he had an
“Tell me, my dear eldest daughter, how much do you love me?” he asked inquiringly.
“Daddy, I love you as much as
“That’s lovely,” replied the king, smiling with satisfaction. “And how much do you love me, dear middle daughter?”
“Daddy, I love you as much as gemstones and rare
“That is also very nice. And what about you, Maria, how much do you love me?” asked the king, turning to the youngest princess.
“Dearest daddy, I love you as much as salt,” replied Maria with a
“Salt?!” he repeated crossly. “Ordinary salt that every pauper
Maria was startled and she was sorry she had made her father so angry. She had only wanted to tell him how much she loved him and appreciated him. But she obeyed and without another word she left the