Under the Baobab Tree

Introduction

“Under the Baobab Tree” was not published until 1974, in George Hamilton’s fanzine, Cross Plains #5. This tale delves into the superstitions and dark mysteries of an African veldt tribe, showcasing Howard’s skill in creating a suspenseful atmosphere filled with intrigue and terror. The narrative centers around a series of gruesome murders, a chief’s bravery, and the revelation of a sinister plot that combines elements of folklore with human treachery.

Summary

The story begins with the booming of drums across the veldt-lands at dusk, signaling a tale of horror that causes the men of the kraals to be on high alert. At the kraal of N-Sunga, the chief, the fetish-man Kesonga, and the elder warriors gather in the council hut to discuss a terrifying menace that has been preying on the veldt tribes. Men have been found slain in a gruesome manner, with strange, unidentifiable tracks leading away from the scenes of death.

Chief N-Sunga recounts the latest victim, Unala, who was killed near a baobab tree. The manner of death and the unusual tracks have led to a belief in a supernatural creature. The fetish-man Kesonga asserts that the killer is a man who transforms into a demon at night, preying on the tribesmen.

In response to this threat, N-Sunga volunteers to confront the terror alone, despite the warriors’ fears and Kesonga’s cryptic warnings. He sets off, armed with a spear, to wait under the baobab tree.

Meanwhile, Kesonga summons a young warrior named Nukula and entrusts him with a ju-ju spear, claiming it is enchanted to kill the demon. Kesonga instructs Nukula to follow N-Sunga and kill him, insinuating that the chief is the fiend in human form.

Nukula obeys, though filled with fear and dread. He reaches the baobab tree but finds no sign of N-Sunga. As he returns to the kraal, he is ambushed and instinctively uses the ju-ju spear to kill his attacker. To his shock, the attacker is not N-Sunga but Kesonga, who had used devices to fake the demonic tracks and had been killing the men for his gain.

N-Sunga appears, revealing he had been watching from the baobab tree. He confirms Nukula’s realization: Kesonga was the true fiend, driven by greed and ambition, using superstition to cover his murders.

Characters

  • N-Sunga: The chief of the kraal, brave and skeptical of superstitions. He volunteers to confront the supposed demon terrorizing his people.
  • Kesonga: The fetish-man (witch doctor) of the tribe, who manipulates the tribe’s fears for his advantage. He plots to eliminate N-Sunga and consolidate power by disguising himself as a demon.
  • Nukula: A young, newly initiated warrior loyal to Kesonga. He is tasked with killing N-Sunga but ultimately discovers and kills the true villain, Kesonga.
  • Unala: A tribesman whose gruesome death near the baobab tree sparks the investigation and fear of a supernatural killer.

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