Explores J.J. Moiloa's `Thesele, Ngwana Mmamokgatjhane,' a Southern Sotho oral epic. Contribution to the literary scene of South Africa and to the debate on the epic in Africa; Critiques from Isidore Okpewho, Heda Jason and Lauri Honko; Epics and heroic tales; Hero's image and relevance; Motifs in the text; Contextual circumstances under which performance takes place.