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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

Illustration of Bakongo folktale showing a child saving his mother from an Imp’s trap

How a Child Saved His Mother’s Life: A Bakongo Folktale From DR Congo.

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

Once upon a time, in a small village near the forests of the Congo, a man cleared a vast piece of bushland and asked his wife to plant it

Illustration of Frog confronting Hawk in Bakongo folktale from Congo, reclaiming his debt through wit and persistence.

The Frog and the Hawk: A Debt Repaid | A Bakongo Folktale, DR Congo.

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

Long ago, the Hawk lived high above in sky-land, soaring freely through the clouds, while the Frog dwelled humbly upon the earth among rivers and swamps. One day, the

Illustration of Tortoise and Gazelle in a Bakongo folktale from Congo, showing deceit and justice in action.

The Punishment of the Deceitful Tortoise : A Bakongo Folktale

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

One day, the cunning Tortoise set a trap, hoping to secure food for himself. Before long, an unsuspecting antelope was caught in it. Instead of rejoicing quietly, the Tortoise

Owl and Kingfisher on a rope above a stream in a Bakongo folktale from Congo.

The Kingfisher and the Owl | A Bakongo Folktale from the Democratic Republic of Congo

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

Long ago, among the Bakongo people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, two proud birds, the Owl and the Kingfisher, sat in dispute over a question of endurance. The

Tunga, the Squirrel, and the Leopard beneath a tree in a Bakongo folktale from Congo.

Tunga and the Squirrel : A Bakongo Folktale from the Democratic Republic of Congo

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

Once, long ago in the lands of the Bakongo people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there lived a man named Tunga. He was not a poor man, for

Yakob rescued by Water-fairies in a Congolese folktale about forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.

The Water-Fairies Who Saved Yakob: A Congolese Folktale

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

Pedro was a well-known trader in birds, traveling across long distances to buy and sell them in distant markets. Whatever birds remained unsold, he carried home, keeping them until

Civet, Tortoise, and Monkey at a crossroads in a Congolese folktale about friendship and reconciliation

How the Civet and the Tortoise Lost and Regained Their Friendship : A Congolese Folktale

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

Once upon a time, in the villages of Congo, there lived two remarkable friends: the Civet and the Tortoise. Though they resided in different towns, their bond was admired

Crow and Dove before elders in Congolese folktale about greed, honesty, and justice.

The Crow and the Dove: A Congolese Folktale of Greed and Consequences

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

Long ago, deep within the lands of Congo where vast forests stretched endlessly and the cries of birds filled the air, two companions, the Crow and the Dove, agreed

Gazelle and Palm-Rat in Congolese folktale, palm tree scene with fire and smoke.

The Gazelle and the Palm-Rat: A Congolese Folktale of Broken Promises

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

In the heart of a great forest in Congo, where tall palm trees swayed gently under the golden sun, a hungry Gazelle wandered restlessly in search of food. His

Illustration of Gazelle discovering his children in a sack while Leopard eats honey, Congolese folktale.

The Wise Gazelle and the Deceitful Leopard: A Congolese Folktale

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

Once, in a quiet African town surrounded by dense forests and wide grasslands, a Leopard and a Gazelle lived side by side with their wives and children. Their homes

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