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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

Kalulu the hare, disguised as a witchdoctor, saves the Lion from a snake in a Luchazi folktale.

Kalulu and the Lion: A Luchazi Folktale from Zambia

Long ago, when the Lion ruled as the mighty king of the

Two dogs sing before villagers, exposing betrayal, in an Angolan Kimbundu folktale.

Mutelembe and Ngunga | A Kimbundu Folktale on Betrayal, Loyalty, and Truth

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Two men, elder and younger, once said to each other, “Let us go hunting!” The younger man had two loyal dogs, one named Mutelembe and the other Ngunga. Together,

Two Angolan traders, one carrying the other, on a weary road – Kimbundu folktale.

Mr. Carry-Me-Not and Mr. Tell-Me-Not | A Folktale from Angola on Listening, Trust, and Consequences

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of Angola, there lived two companions known by their strange names: Mr. Carry-Me-Not and Mr. Tell-Me-Not. Both were traders, men who travelled with their

Four Angolan sisters named Uoua, youngest holding preserved rats, in a Kimbundu folktale scene.

The Four Uouas: An Angolan Folktale on Wisdom, Marriage, and Fairness

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the household of Na Kimanaueze kia Tumb’a Ndala, a respected man loved by many, four daughters were born to one mother. There were no sons in

Illustration of Kianda spirit marrying young woman, Angolan Kimbundu folktale, underwater scene with ornaments and gifts

The Kianda and the Young Woman: An Angolan Folktale of Desire, Loss, and Vigilance.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

A woman lived quietly with her two daughters, caring for them as best as she could. One day, a strange and unsettling figure appeared before them: the Skull of

Two brothers fight Ma-kishi spirits outside a hut, Angolan Kimbundu folktale scene.

The Children of the Widow: An Angolan Folktale of Courage, Vigilance, and Justice

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Once, in a quiet Angolan village, a woman bore her children and raised them with love. Their father passed away too soon, leaving her to guide them through life.

Four sisters hide in a tree while Ma-Kishi spirits chop, saved by a hawk in Kimbundu folktale.

The Girls and the Ma-Kishi: An Angolan Folktale of Wisdom, Vigilance, and Courage

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, there were three young women who often visited the Ma-Kishi, mysterious spirit-people who lived far from their village. The distance between the two places was long, but

Ngana Samba carries her children across a river, escaping the Ma-kishi in a Kimbundu Angolan folktale.

Ngana Samba and the Ma-Kishi: A Kimbundu Folktale of Courage, Motherhood, and Escape.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

long ago, during the dry season, the people of a village gathered to burn the prairie. Men and women worked together: the men hunted game in the open grasslands,

Illustration of Sudika-Mbambi and Kabundungulu separating, symbolized by thunder, from Kimbundu folktale of Angola.

Sudika-Mbambi and Kabundungulu: A Kimbundu Folktale of Courage, Betrayal, and the Division of Brothers.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Let us tell of Ngana Kimanaueze kia Tumba a Ndala, beloved among friends, who begat a son named Nga Nzua of Kimanaueze. One day, Kimanaueze commanded his son: “Go

Illustration of Angolan Kimbundu folktale woman bursting as magical fish escapes, cautionary tale of desire.

The Woman Who Longed for Fish: A Traditional Angolan Folktale.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of the Kimbundu people of Angola, there lived a man named Ngana Kimalauezu kia Tumb’a Ndala and his wife. They shared a life together,

Illustration of Fenda Maria playing magical flute before Nga Nzua, an Angolan Kimbundu folktale.

Fenda Maria and Nga Nzua: An Angolan Folktale of Truth, Resilience, and Justice.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the heart of Angola, among the Kimbundu people, there lived a brother and sister whose bond was tested by tragedy, hardship, and betrayal. This is the story of

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