African Folktales

Oyebode Ayoola

Parchment-style illustration of Anansi tricking Ant into carrying a heavy box, Ashanti folktale from Ghana.

Why Ants Carry Bundles as Big as Themselves

by Oyebode Ayoola

African Folktales·Ghanaian Folktales·West African Folktales

Kweku Anansi, the trickster spider of Ashanti tales, was well known for his cunning ways. He and his son, Kweku Tsin, were both skilled farmers who usually enjoyed plentiful harvests. Their farms had always been fruitful, with yams, beans, and maize ripening under their care. But one year misfortune struck. They had sown their seeds as usual, waiting for the

Parchment-style illustration of sly Jackal tricking angry Lion near cave, African folktale about wit over strength.

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

The Lion and the Jackal

In the wild and open plains of South Africa, where the sun burned fiercely during the day and the nights were alive with the sounds of animals, there lived two unlikely companions: the Lion and the Jackal. The Lion was mighty, feared by all creatures. His roar echoed across the

Parchment-style illustration of Lion pulling Jackal from eland carcass, African folktale with sly trickery and savannah setting.

The Hunt of Lion and Jackal

Long ago, when the great animals still roamed the plains in friendship

Parchment-style illustration of jackal, dove on a rock, and heron by river, Khoikhoi African folktale scene.

Jackal, Dove, and Heron

Long ago, in the vast landscapes of Southern Africa, a story unfolded

Imana chasing Death with dogs as a Burundian woman swallows him, origin tale of mortality.

Imana and the Quest for Death: A Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

Long ago, when the land of Burundi was still being shaped by divine hands, Imana, the supreme being, walked among men. He traveled across the rolling green downlands of central

Sacred Drum at the heart of a Burundian village ceremony, with dancers, elders, and drummers in harmony.

The Story of the Sacred Drum: A Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

Long ago, when the hills of Burundi were still clothed in untouched forests and the rivers flowed like veins of silver through the valleys, the god of music and

Illustration of Burundian Intore warriors in formation before their king, symbolizing bravery, loyalty, and cultural heritage.

The Tale of the Intore Warriors: Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

In the heart of Burundi’s hills, where green valleys stretch toward the horizon and rivers cut deep paths through fertile lands, a legend was born. It is the tale

Ngabo, the Burundian warrior, defends his people with spear and shield against invading enemies in a traditional folktale scene.

Ngabo the Brave Warrior: A Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

In the rolling hills and fertile valleys of Burundi, where rivers sparkle beneath the African sun and mountains stand like ancient guardians, tales of heroes are told with reverence.

Nkubito creating the first Burundian people from clay with Mwami nearby, symbolizing Burundi’s divine origin myth.

The Legend of the Burundian Origin

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

Long ago, before rivers carved their paths through the valleys and before mountains rose proudly above the plains, there was only silence and emptiness. Out of this vast stillness

Elephant guiding animals to water during drought, Burundian folktale scene of wisdom, strength, and unity.

The Elephant and the River: Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

In the wide savannas of Burundi, where the sun burns like fire upon the earth and tall acacia trees stretch their branches toward the sky, there lived an elephant

The clever hare tricks the proud lion at a well in this traditional Burundian folktale illustration.

The Clever Hare and the Ferocious Lion: A Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

In the heart of the Burundi wilderness, where tall grasses swayed in the wind and the cries of wild creatures echoed across the plains, lived two animals whose natures

Burundian villagers honor Lake Tanganyika with offerings while fishermen sail, symbolizing abundance and mystery in Burundian folktale.

The Tale of the Mysterious Lake Tanganyika: A Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

Long ago, before Burundi became the land of villages, fields, and bustling markets, the world was shaken by a great flood. The gods, angered by the corruption and sin of

Bantu ancestors migrate with children and elders under divine light in this Burundian folktale illustration.

The Legend of Bantu Origins: A Burundian Folktale

African Folktales·Burundian Folktales·East African Folktales

Long ago, before Burundi was the land we know today, the ancestors of the Bantu people set forth on a journey that would shape not only their destiny but

Egal Sheeda, the Somali trickster, walking away with livestock as deceived villagers watch helplessly by the river.

A Somali Folktale that Teaches Lessons on Greed and Deception

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Somali Folktales

Long ago in Somalia, there lived a man named Egal Sheeda, a trickster whose wit and cunning were both admired and feared. One day, his bull wandered into the

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