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

Parchment-style illustration of five Somali sisters abandoned in the bush, meeting shepherd girl with goats at dusk.

Degder and the Five Sisters: A Somali Folktale that Teaches Forgiveness

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Somali Folktales

Long ago, in the wide sun-baked lands of Somalia where acacia trees cast their thin shadows and camels groaned in the thorny bush, there lived two brothers. One had

Parchment-style Somali folktale illustration of first wife with newborn son Durbananti, daughters, husband, and shocked second wife.

The Mother of Sons: Somali Folktale

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Somali Folktales

Once, in the dry, open lands of Puntland, there lived a man with two wives. His first wife bore him only daughters, seven in all, while the second wife gave

Parchment-style illustration of lion, dead camel, fallen hyena, and cautious fox in Somali folktale.

The Lion, King of the Animals: Somali Folktale

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Somali Folktales

Once, in the wide forests of Somalia, where tall trees cast long shadows and the rustle of leaves echoed with whispers of beasts, the lion reigned supreme. Known as

Parchment-style illustration of dog chasing bus, goat fleeing, and donkey calm, from Somali folktale.

The Dog, the Goat, and the Donkey: Somali Folktale

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Somali Folktales

Once upon a time, in the sunlit lands of Somalia where the winds sweep across open plains and the hum of buses carries down long dusty roads, there lived

Parchment-style illustration of man, woman, and dog in Somali creation folktale, with desert landscape.

How the Dog Became Man’s Friend: Somali Folktale

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Somali Folktales

Long ago, when the world was still fresh and creation’s mysteries were woven into every breath of wind, people sought to understand why certain bonds endure while others falter.

Parchment-style illustration of a clever turtle tricking forest animals in a traditional Gabonese folktale setting.

The Debbi and the Hair of Power: Gabonese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of Central Africa, there lived a man who journeyed down to a lonely river to fetch water. The sun was heavy on his back,

Old parchment-style illustration of fox tricking elephant for water in Gabonese folktale, drawn with warm earthy colors.

How the Fox Followed the Elephant: Gabonese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales

In the heart of Central Africa, where the deep forests of Gabon hum with life, two unlikely companions once set out on a journey together: the elephant, mighty and

Illustration of lion, hyena, and fox in Gabonese folktale forest scene, showing wit overcoming strength and greed.

The Lion, the Hyena, and the Fox: A Gabonese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales

Long ago, deep in the forests of Gabon, the lion and the hyena traveled together as companions. One day, as fate would have it, the lion discovered a great

Parchment-style illustration of spider and animal companions before Nzambi Mpungu in Gabonese folktale of heavenly fire.

The Quest for Heavenly Fire: Gabonese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of Gabon, there lived Nzambi-on-Earth, a powerful ruler whose daughter was famed across the land for her unmatched beauty. Suitors came from far and

Parchment-style illustration of Shulo the Hare, his wife, and Jongwe the Rooster in a Gabonese village kraal.

The Hare Who Believed the Rooster’s Dream: Gabonese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales

Long ago, in the green forests of Gabon where the trees rise tall and the drums of the village echo through the evening air, there lived a restless creature

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