This story, titled ‘The Sorcerer Goat’ (Osy mpamosavin’akoho), is part of the ‘Selected Texts’ compiled by Prosper Rajaobelina in 1949. The personification of animals in this tale evokes the style of La Fontaine’s Fables. While some might suggest influences from foreign folklore or ‘The Thousand and One Nights’, the narrative voice and cultural nuances are deeply rooted in Malagasy tradition.
The crow, with its black and white plumage, is a classic symbol in Malagasy proverbs. The text reflects various historical layers, including the respect for Vazimba tombs, and the complex roles of traditional healers (ombiasy), astrologers, and diviners, whom the story portrays with a touch of irony as sorcerers.
The taboo against chickens flapping their wings on a Friday is linked to the historical practice of tying chickens for market transport, with Friday being a significant market day—a term derived from Arabic influence. The story also touches upon elements introduced after the 16th century, such as the arrival of turkeys and goats, and the origins of local fauna.
The fable tells of a mother hen, Ikalamavo, whose chick is severely ill. Following the advice of a crow, she seeks out a ‘sorcerer goat’ (Ikakiosy) known for his divination skills. The goat instructs her to place the sick chick in an open, barren area on a Friday, warning her not to flap her wings. However, as the mother hen steps away, a hawk swoops down and snatches the chick. In her grief and madness, the mother hen curses her descendants, vowing that they will always flee at the mere mention of the ‘sorcerer goat’. This, according to the legend, is why chickens scatter in fear whenever they hear the word ‘goat’.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-18 06:26:39 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/osy-mpamosavy.html