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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

Leopard hangs tied upside down while Monkey laughs and Hare prepares to cut vines, Angola folktale.

Leopard, Monkey, and Hare | A Kimbundu Folktale of Trickery, Greed, and Justice

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, Leopard was feared in the forest. His spotted coat glistened in the sun, his muscles rippled with power, and every beast knew that when Leopard prowled, silence

Leopard sneaks with a pot, Monkey tips it playfully, Antelope rests peacefully in Angolan folktale.

Leopard, Antelope, and Monkey | An Angolan Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the traditions of the Kimbundu people of Angola, there lived Mr. Leopard, a creature both sly and calculating. With him walked two of his younger kin,

Hunter holding deer’s hide as Deer escapes, Kimbundu folktale, Angola.

Dinianga dia Ngombe and Deer | A Kimbundu Folktale, Angola.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Dinianga dia Ngombe rose one morning, took up his gun, and declared firmly, “I will go hunting today.” With steady steps, he journeyed into the bush, the forest alive

Hunter spares Deer for one night under the mudia-mbambi tree in this Kimbundu folktale

The Child of Hunter and the Child of Deer | A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the days when the forest was both home and test, two families welcomed new life. The wife of Hunter gave birth to a child, and far away, the

Hare tricks Leopard back into tree while Nianga prepares to act in this Kimbundu folktale.

Nianga dia Ngenga and Leopard: An Angolan Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Nianga dia Ngenga rose early one morning, took up his gun, and declared with determination, “I will go a-hunting.” With steady steps he walked into the vast Angolan bush.

Villagers throw Turtle into river, but he escapes happily in this Kimbundu folktale.

The Man and the Turtle: An Angolan Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of Koka, a Turtle found himself caught in a struggle between wit and danger. A man from Lubi la Suku went into the bush

Blacksmith binds Blackbirds under Dove’s guidance in this Kimbundu folktale from Angola.

The Blacksmith and the Blackbirds: A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Once upon a time, in a village where work and trade kept life turning, there lived a Blacksmith who prided himself on the strength of his hoes. With patient

Kimona-Ngombe and son saved from lioness bride, Kimbundu folktale from Angola.

The Lions and Kimona-Ngombe: An Angolan Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the land where the lions dwelled, a great famine once swept across the earth. Food grew scarce, and hunger gnawed at every creature. The lions gathered to discuss

A young bride pounds grain as a bird sings names of her brothers-in-law, Kimbundu folktale.

A Bride and Her Brothers-in-Law: A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Once upon a time, a young man lived with his four brothers. He was the fifth among them, and one day he saw a young woman who pleased him.

Frog in jug carried to heavens by maidens climbing Spider’s web in Angolan folktale

The Son of Kimanaueze and the Daughter of Sun and Moon: A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of the Kimbundu people, there lived a man named Kimanaueze who had a son destined for greatness. When this son grew into manhood, his

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