Why Hyenas Have Short Hind Legs

Why Hyenas Have Short Hind Legs, A Zulu Folktale

Jackal and Hyena were together when a white cloud floated by high in the sky. Jackal jumped up, landed upon it, and gorged upon the cloud as if it were fresh meat.

When Jackal had eaten his fill of the white cloud, he said to Hyena, "My cousin, I am ready to come down, if you catch me I will bring you a piece of this tasty cloud for you to taste!"

So Hyena caught him and broke his fall. The piece of cloud Jackal gave her was so delicious she wanted more, so she jumped up on top of another white cloud and ate until she was full.

She called down to Jackal, “Catch me, my cousin, and I'll bring a piece of cloud for us to share later." The scoundrel Jackal said to Hyena, "My cousin, trust me, I will catch you, jump down!"

Jackal held up his paws and Hyena jumped down from the cloud but when she was near, Jackal began to caper about yelling, "My cousin, do not be mad. OUCH! A thorn has pricked my foot and it hurts!"

So Hyena fell from the white cloud far above, landing on the ground with a great thud, upon her two back legs. Ever since that day, Hyenas have hind legs that are shorter than their front legs.

(adapted via Africa Factbook)

(images via Gregory Naud and MSU)