Kaffir folk-lore

Name: Kaffir folk-lore
Author: George McCall Theal

By George McCall Theal

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About This Book

A curated collection of traditional tales gathered from communities on the eastern border of the Cape Colony, presented with explanatory notes that connect stories to local beliefs and customs. The volume groups myths, origin narratives, animal tales, and supernatural accounts to illustrate imaginative patterns and social values, and it describes storytelling practice—often evening gatherings led by elder women—as a key context for transmission. Notes situate motifs and language, and the selection aims to represent recurring themes such as cosmology, moral instruction, and communal memory without claiming exhaustive coverage.

About the Author

George McCall Theal

George McCall Theal was a South African historian and author known for his contributions to the understanding of the region's cultural and historical narratives. His notable works include "Kaffir Folk-Lore," which explores the rich traditions and stories of the Xhosa people, and "Willem Adriaan Van Der Stel, and Other Historical Sketches," which provides insights into early colonial history. Theal's writings reflect a deep engagement with South African history and folklore, making him a significant figure in the literary heritage of the country.