Black Horse

The King’s Son and the Magic Song

In short: A king’s son sings a magic song to gather the herd. An ox with curled horns answers him.

The King’s Son and the Magic Song · A song that calls the herd FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 269 The King’s Son and the Magic Song A king’s son sings a magic song to gather the herd. Origin Eswatini · Swazi storytelling tradition, approximate location Atlas record 1908 First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF A song that calls the herd Reach¹ 1/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 1 records · 1 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

Eswatini · Swazi storytelling tradition, approximate location

In the Swazi tale printed in 1908, a king sends his son to watch over the cattle. The story moves from mountain pasture to the night when the boy has to lead a herd out of an enclosure. The cattle follow as soon as he sings. The ox with curled horns leads them, and its call draws more cattle from the surrounding country.

Dated records and sources

  1. 1908 · Eswatini · Swazi storytelling tradition, approximate location
    Sarah F. Bourhill / Beatrice L. Drake · The Story of the King’s Son and the Magic Song · Fairy Tales from South Africa, II · Published collection

Country pages

Origin
Black Horse. The King’s Son and the Magic Song. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-swazi-magic-song/