FolktalesAfrica.com

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

Tortoise gathers Njabi fruit as Dog follows his trail, while Leopard hides in the Bojabi tree, Equatorial Guinea folktale.

Tortoise, Dog, Leopard, and the Njabi Fruit: An Equatorial Guinean Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Betrayal and Trust.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In the beginning, all the animals lived not far from one another. Among them, Tortoise and Dog shared a settlement of their own, building a small town where their

Tortoise fells giant tree to win Njambo’s daughter Ndenga in Equatorial Guinea folktale of wit and perseverance.

The Suitors of Njambo’s Daughter: Equatorial Guinea Folktale.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in the days when beasts lived apart from mankind yet kept bonds of friendship, there was a man named Njambo who lived in a great town. He

Tortoise paddles with Bojabi fruit as animals await by the great tree in Equatorial Guinea folktale.

Tortoise and the Bojabi Tree: An Equatorial Guinea Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In the Country of All-the-Beasts, every animal lived together in one vast region, except for Boa Constrictor, who made his home thirty miles away in solitude. In the heart

Tortoise, Snail, and Iguana at Evenga tree as birds and monkeys feast in Equatorial Guinea folktale.

Death Begins by One Person: An Equatorial Guinean Folktale on the Consequences of Carelessness

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In the time when animals lived and spoke like people, three companions shared a village deep in the forests of Equatorial Guinea: Ka the Snail, Ngambi the Iguana, and

Tortoise hides at palm wine tree base as Leopard threatens Rat in Equatorial Guinea folktale.

The Lies of Tortoise: An Equatorial Guinea Folktale.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In the days when animals and humans shared the forests and rivers of Equatorial Guinea, cunning was often a weapon sharper than claws or teeth. Among all creatures, none

• Tortoise plays the magic drum in Equatorial Guinea folktale as Leopard, King Maseni, and villagers watch in wonder.

The Magic Drum: Tortoise, Leopard, and King Maseni (Equatorial Guinea Folktale)

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in the time when both humans and animals lived together in one land, King Maseni ruled over a country where all tribes, human and beast, built towns

Previous 1 … 10 11 12

Go toTop