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Ayomide Adekilekun

Illustration of greedy old couple turning into monkeys on a tree, from a Zambian folktale.

How the Monkeys Came to Be: A Zambian Folktale

by Ayomide Adekilekun

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of the African wilderness, there lay a quiet glade where a humble tribe had built their huts. The people lived in harmony with nature and with one another, sharing food, laughter, and the struggles of daily life. Among them lived a frail old man and his equally gaunt wife. They were always complaining of hunger

Illustration of Monkey and Hare in Gambian folktale, showing their playful contest of pride and trickery.

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

The Monkey and the Hare | A Classic Gambian Folktale of Pride and Trickery

One bright morning in a Gambian village clearing, Monkey boasted loudly before Hare and all who would listen. With a confident grin, he slapped his chest and declared, “From sunrise to sunset, I can go without scratching myself, no matter what!” His words carried the weight of a challenge, a

Kalulu the Hare beats a drum inside a pumpkin in the Elephant’s belly, Zambian Luchazi folktale.

Kalulu and the Elephant: A Zambian Folktale

Kalulu the Hare was known throughout the land for his tireless energy

Illustration of Kalulu the Hare tricking the Lion in a Bemba folktale from Zambia.

How Kalulu Outsmarted the Lion: A Zambian Bemba Folktale

The Lion, king of the forest, had once again become uncontrollable. His

Illustration of father opening python to reveal animals and peanut, Congo folktale of wisdom and humility.

The Son Who Tried to Outwit His Father: Congo Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

One day, a young son proudly challenged his father, saying, “I will hide, and you will never be able to find me.” The father, amused by the boast, leaned

Illustration of Small-ants carrying human skin scrap, Congo folktale explaining why ants live in houses.

Why the Small-Ants Live in Houses: Congo Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

In the heart of the Congo, there are countless species of ants, yet two in particular stand out in the daily lives of the people: the Small-ants and the

Illustration of Gazelle tricking Leopard at plum tree with Frog and Rat, traditional Congo folktale scene.

The Leopard Is Outwitted by the Gazelle, the Rat, and the Frog: Congo Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

Deep in the forests of the Congo, a powerful Leopard owned a splendid plum tree whose branches hung heavy with ripe fruit. The Leopard prized this tree, for its

Illustration of Jackal howling at the Moon holding his stolen golden spear in a traditional Zambian folktale scene.

Why the Jackal Howls at the Moon: A Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, deep within the dark forests of Zambia, there lived a mighty Jackal. He was no ordinary creature, large, strong, and feared by every animal around him. At

Nalishebo watches her dog transform into a man under the moonlight in this Zambian folktale.

A Different Baby: A Zambian Folktale of Transformation and Love

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in a time when the world still brimmed with wonders and strange happenings, there lived a man and his wife in a land filled with joy. The

Two wax maidens resting beneath a tree in a Zambian folktale, admired by a young farmer.

The Wax-Maidens: A Zambian Folktale of Beauty and Fragility

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

In a quiet Zambian village, deep within the forest, lived the wife of a hunter who possessed a rare and gifted hand. With clay, tree gum, and beeswax, she

Milika at the shrine, children emerging from monkey fruit, traditional Zambian folktale illustration.

Milika’s Children: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Chanda married Milika because she was not only beautiful but also wise and modest. For five years, they lived in harmony and happiness, but sorrow slowly crept into their

Muti discovers her tiny magical husband rising from the pot in this Bemba folktale from Zambia.

Muti Gets a Husband: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Muti was an orphan, left to face the harshness of life from her earliest days. She lost her parents when she was only a small child, and with their

Chipila fills the fourth gourd of cowries as a ghostly ancestor spirit appears in this Zambian Bemba folktale.

The Fourth Gourd of Cowrie: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Chipila and Zongwe were more than just neighbours; they were brothers in spirit. Their huts stood side by side, their farms shared a boundary, and their lives intertwined through

Illustration of Bemba women pounding corn, pestles hitting low sky, from the Zambian folktale Why the Sky Is So High.

Why the Sky Is So High: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of Zambia, people believed that the sky hung close to the earth, resting over them like the roof of a vast shelter. It was

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