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'I, said the giant, 'am Chi-gwisa-miti, and I am planting these bao-babs and thorns as food for my children the elephants. 'Leave off! shouted the hero, 'for I am Makoma, and would like to exchange a blow with thee!
The giant, plucking up a monster bao-bab by the roots, struck heavily at Makoma; but the hero sprang aside, and as the weapon sank deep into the soft earth, whirled Nu-endo the hammer round his head and felled the giant with one blow.
'Who is it, he said, 'making that fire smoulder around my feet? 'It is I, Makoma! shouted the hero. 'And I have come from far away to see thee, O Sakatirina, for the spirits of my fathers bade me go seek and fight with thee, lest I should grow fat, and weary of myself. There was silence for a while, and then the giant spoke softly: 'It is good, O Makoma! he said. 'For I too have grown weary.
'Greater than you! answered Makoma. With a shout, Chi-dubula-taka seized a great clod of earth and launched it at Makoma. But the hero had his sack held over his left arm and the stones and earth fell harmlessly upon it, and, tightly gripping his iron hammer, he rushed in and struck the giant to the ground.
Wandering on he arrived one day at a great plain, well watered and full of game; and in the very middle of it, close to a large river, was a grassy spot, very pleasant to make a home upon. Makoma was so delighted with the little meadow that he sat down under a large tree and removing the sack from his shoulder, took out all the giants and set them before him.
But the hero sprang behind a rock just in time, for the ground upon which he had been standing was turned to molten glass, like an overbaked pot, by the heat of the flame-spirit's breath. Then the hero flung his iron hammer at Chi-idea-moto, and, striking him, it knocked him helpless; so Makoma placed him in the sack, Woro-nowu, with the other great men that he had overcome.
Makoma travelled far towards the west; over rough mountains and water-logged morasses, fording deep rivers, and tramping for days across dry deserts where most men would have died, until at length he arrived at a hut standing near some large peaks, and inside the hut were two beautiful women. 'Greeting! said the hero. 'Is this the country of Sakatirina of five heads, whom I am seeking?
Fairbridge, who speaks the native language, and one is brought by Mr. Cripps from another part of Africa, Uganda. Three tales from the Punjaub were collected and translated by Major Campbell. Pedersen, from 'Eventyr fra Jylland, by Mr. Lang, who has modified, where it seemed desirable, all the narratives. The Story of the Hero Makoma
'Greeting, shouted Makoma, 'you are you? 'I am Chi-eswa-mapiri, who makes the mountains, answered the giant; 'and who are you? 'I am Makoma, which signifies "greater," answered he. 'Greater than who? asked the giant. 'Greater than you! answered Makoma. The giant gave a roar and rushed upon him. Makoma said nothing, but swinging his great hammer, Nu-endo, he struck the giant upon the head.
Then he said to his mother: 'Rest gently, my mother, for I go to make a home for myself and become a hero. Then, entering his hut he took Nu-endo, his iron hammer, and throwing the sack over his shoulder, he went away. Makoma crossed the Zambesi, and for many moons he wandered towards the north and west until he came to a very hilly country where, one day, he met a huge giant making mountains.
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