Thakane of the Nanabolele Quest

Overview

Masilo’s demand for Nanabolele equipment prevents him from leaving the initiation hut with his companions. His father is at a loss, since he does not know where the animals live. Thakane undertakes her brother’s errand herself, grinds provisions and enters an unknown country alone. At successive lakes she repeats her request; frogs direct her toward the water associated with the leshoma plant. At last a great lake answers through an old woman who knows her name and warns of the man-eating animals.

Holding the guide’s hand, she enters beneath the lake without the water hindering them. The country contains broad deserted villages whose inhabitants have been consumed. The old woman hides and feeds her while the herd, driven home by a boy, detects a human smell. Once it sleeps, its bodies give light and Thakane chooses a fine specimen for its skin. She leaves with the hide and the guide’s smooth stone, which raises an inaccessible mountain when the pursuing herd comes close.

Thakane retrieves and carries the stone after each escape, creating a second mountain when the herd overtakes her again. After another night the animals find themselves too far from their own country and retreat. At home a craftsman cuts the hide into the coat, shield, shoes, hat and spear fittings Masilo demanded. He rejoices at receiving something he had previously only imagined. After the household prepares food and beer, he leaves the hut, displays his shield and gives Thakane a hundred cattle in recognition of her long journey. She is not presented as killing the entire herd or restoring the people of its ruined villages.

Origins & earliest records

Jacottet publishes the complete episode in Se-Suto with a literal English translation and explanatory notes. The inspected account does not attach an individual contributor name; the general contributor list in introduction xxii is not used to invent one.

Records & interpretation

Jacottet (1908), XXX The Nanaboleles, complete bilingual pp. 200–209; English pp. 200, 202, 204, 206, 208; kinship and reward ending p. 208, lake guide and vanished populations p. 204, sleeping light and mountain-stone pursuit p. 206; comparison with Nyamatsanes pp. 200–201.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   The Treasury of Ba-suto Lore, vol. I

   Édouard Jacottet, collector and translator; J. C. Smith, English text assistance · 1908

   Jacottet (1908), XXX The Nanaboleles, complete bilingual pp. 200–209; English pp. 200, 202, 204, 206, 208; kinship and reward ending p. 208, lake guide and vanished populations p. 204, sleeping light and mountain-stone pursuit p. 206; comparison with Nyamatsanes pp. 200–201.

2. 02

   The Treasury of Ba-suto Lore, volume I

   Unnamed Sesotho narrative contributor; Édouard Jacottet, editor and translator; J. C. Smith, English text correction · 1908

   The Treasury of Ba-suto Lore, volume I, Morija: Sesuto Book Depot; London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., 1908, actual title-page OCR. Full preface and collection/translation statement introductionxxii independently read, alongside complete chapterXXXpp200–209 and notes; selected historical witness only.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

Located primary passages

Specific passages supporting details in this entry, grouped by their published witness.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Collected Se-Suto text with literal English translation and notesJacottet — Thakane of the Nanabolele QuestResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

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