Southafricanfolklore Stories

[The Shortys Longlist 2024 and First place in the 2024 Sapphire Stories Awards for: the most unique/supernatural character]. In the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, where ancient secrets sleep... Thandiwe (meaning beloved in Zulu), the caver who braved the depths of the Rising Star Cave to help unearth the remarkable Homo naledi fossils, now faces a different kind of discovery. A creature of myth and legend, the Grootslang, guards a hidden world beneath the Richtersveld - a land of stark beauty and ancient whispers. As Thandiwe ventures into the Wonder Hole, she must use her unique skills and deep respect for the land to protect the Grootslang and the fragile ecosystem it calls home. But when greed threatens to shatter the peace, Thandiwe must find a way to bridge the gap between science and folklore, becoming a guardian of both the past and the future. Winner in the @SapphireStoriesAwards for most unique supernatural being, see here: Sapphire Story Awards: https://www.wattpad.com/story/375800999-sapphire-stories-awards-judging-phase Judge @_wordswitch feedback: The Grootslang is a masterfully crafted supernatural entity that blends mythology, conservation, and emotional depth. Its unique appearance and characteristics captivate the imagination, while its role as a guardian conveys a powerful message about the balance between humanity and nature. The creature's connection to the Richtersveld's culture and environment ensures it is deeply integrated into the story, adding layers of meaning and resonance. By further expanding on its lore-particularly its origins and the mechanics of its guardianship-the Grootslang could become an even more iconic figure in the realm of fantasy and supernatural storytelling. Nonetheless, it stands as a remarkable example of how mythological creatures can transcend mere narrative tools to embody universal themes of coexistence, respect, and responsibility. A truly unique and unforgettable entity.

⋆｡°✩ [The Shorty's Short List 2024 - Short Story]. ⋆｡°✩In the heart of South Africa's Karoo, a land steeped in ancient legends, Dr Aria Thorne's routine geological survey takes an extraordinary turn. As the earth trembles beneath her feet, Aria discovers that the Karoo harbours secrets far beyond the realm of science. Ancient creatures from San Bushmen legends, long thought to be mere myth, begin to stir from their millennia-long slumber, awakened by the disharmony between man and nature. Among these beings are the enigmatic Karoo Mermaid, whose haunting song echoes through the Meiringspoort canyon, and the wise Mantis, a legendary hero said to have planted the seed of humanity. Thrust into a world where science meets myth, Aria must navigate between two realms: the pragmatic world of her research and the fantastical realm of these primordial beings. As she strives to understand the creatures' cryptic messages and their connection to the land's ecological balance, Aria realises that she alone can bridge the gap between humans and these ancient guardians of the earth. With time running short and the delicate equilibrium of the Karoo at stake, Aria must convince both her sceptical colleagues and the ancient beings that harmony between progress and preservation is not only possible but essential. In this race against time, she'll discover that the true symphony of the Karoo lies not in its silence, but in the delicate balance of all living things, a melody as old as the Bushman paintings that adorn the canyon walls. The cover image was created with the help of Playgroundai.com established 2023.