Baboon Shepherd African Folklore

Keekaegile

The ancestors say, living a three days walk from the nearest village Dimbokro the sheepherder of northern Ethiopia lived. From the age of five, he was responsible for the goats and sheep in his family's herd. He spent exhausting days herding sheep and walking miles through the rocky land. 

One day, Dimbokro went hunting. After hearing a strange cooing sound, he decided to investigate. He discovered a newborn baby Baboon abandoned in the woods. She was soaking wet wrapped in nothing but a large leaf.

Dimbokro decided to raise the Baboon and named her Keekaegile after his favorite aunt. Dimbokro taught her everything he knew about sheep herding and soon, Keekaegile was made his chief shepherd because of her quick learning.

Keekaegile remained devoted to his masters’ flock all day in the field and at night drove the sheep home riding on the back of a goat. Keekaegile held this high office of the shepherds for 2,000 moons for his master until one day while watching over her flock, she was suddenly killed by a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing. 

More short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

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