Story Summary
Explore The Origin of Death, a classic San folklore tale. Learn how the Moon's message of immortality was twisted by a Hare, bringing mortality to all humans.
In the beginning, the Moon looked down upon the people with kindness and decided to share her gift of rebirth. She summoned the Hare, the swiftest of all animals, and gave him a sacred message to deliver: 'Go to the humans and tell them that as I die and rise again, so they too shall die and rise again.' The Hare raced across the savanna, but by the time he reached the human camp, he had grown careless. Instead of the Moon's words, he told the people: 'The Moon says that as I die and stay dead, so you shall die and perish forever.' When the Hare returned, the Moon was outraged by his betrayal. She struck him across the face with a piece of wood, splitting his lip for all eternity. In his pain and fury, the Hare scratched the Moon's face, leaving the dark marks we still see tonight. Though the Moon was the bringer of the message, she could not take back the words once they were believed. From that day on, death became the final end for all of humanity.
The Moral
Words have the power to shape destiny, and once a truth is distorted, the consequences may be irreversible.
“As I die and rise again, so you shall die and rise again.”
Fun Fact
Due to this ancient myth, many Khoisan-speaking groups historically avoided eating hare meat, as the animal was seen as the bringer of death and misfortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Origin of Death?
The story emphasizes the weight of responsibility and the permanence of spoken words. It serves as a reminder that a message distorted, whether by accident or intent, can have life-altering consequences for everyone.
Why does the Hare have a split lip in this story?
The Hare's lip was split by the Moon as punishment for lying to the humans. When the Moon realized the Hare had delivered the wrong message about immortality, she struck him across the mouth in anger.
Why are there dark spots on the Moon according to the San?
The dark marks on the Moon are said to be the scars from the Hare's claws. After the Moon struck him, the Hare fought back and scratched her face before fleeing into the night.
What was the Moon's original message for humanity?
The Moon intended to tell humans that they were immortal. She wanted them to know that just as the moon wanes and disappears only to return, humans would also experience a cycle of death and rebirth.
Is the Hare a trickster in Southern African folklore?
Yes, the Hare is a common trickster figure across African folklore. In this specific tale, his role as a messenger highlights his unreliable nature, which leads to the tragic introduction of permanent death.
How does this story explain human mortality?
This myth explains mortality as a cosmic mistake rather than a natural design. It suggests that humans were meant to live forever, but a single botched communication changed the fate of the species.