FolktalesAfrica.com

Browse Category

Central African Folktales

Traditional folktales from Central African Folktales, passed down through generations.

Monkey laughing from a tree while Leopard growls angrily below in a Gabonese forest

Why Monkey Mocked Leopard

by Elizabeth Fabowale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales·Mpongwe Folktales

Deep in the forests of Gabon, where the tall trees swayed and the rivers whispered through the undergrowth, Leopard ruled as the most feared hunter. His sharp claws and swift leaps brought down antelope and bush pig alike. The animals spoke his name in whispers, for no creature wished to cross his path. Yet among them was Monkey, quick and

A boastful frog on a riverbank in Gabon, challenging a sparrow in the air and fish in the river - Gabonese folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales·Mpongwe Folktales

The Boastful Frog

In the lush forests and rivers of Gabon, where the air echoed with the songs of birds and the rush of flowing waters, there lived a frog who thought himself the greatest of all creatures. His skin glistened green in the sunlight, and his strong legs gave him the power

Parchment-style African folktale scene of Sun and Moon escaping floodwaters caused by Water’s visiting family.

Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky

Long, long ago, when the world was still young and the boundaries

Tortoise hiding in his shell while Leopard looks frustrated - Gabonese folktale

The Tortoise and the Leopard

Deep in the forests of Gabon, where tall trees reached toward the

Parchment-style illustration of African elder wife holding razor while co-wife kneels beside sleeping child near cooking pots.

The Murder by Mistake

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

In a village where polygamy was the custom and co-wives shared the duties of household and family; two women prepared for their husband’s long absence. With practiced hands, they

Parchment-style illustration of African Buite holding fish as magical wife and servants vanish, brother Swarmi watches in valley.

How Pride Destroyed Paradise

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales·Central African Folktales

In a certain town where family bonds should have meant everything, two brothers lived lives as different as day and night. The elder was named Swarmi, a man of

Parchment-style illustration of African prince Nsassi naming Lunga and Lenga with loyal dog before Nenpetro’s compound.

The Prince and His Loyal Dog

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

In a prosperous village where wealth flowed like honey and fortune smiled upon the fortunate, there lived a man named Nenpetro. He was blessed with two wives, and in

Parchment-style illustration of African hunter Nenpetro revived by three wives using dream, guidance, and healing.

Three Wives, One Miracle

Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

In a village where the sun blazed golden over the red earth, there lived a renowned hunter named Nenpetro. He was a man of great skill with the bow,

Parchment-style illustration of European girl Olga meeting protective wolf in snowy forest after escaping armed stranger.

The Women and Wolves

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Inspired Tales

On opposite sides of a dark forest lived two girls named Olga and Lidia, bound by a friendship as old as their earliest memories. Throughout spring, summer, and autumn,

Parchment-style illustration of Gothic Juniper facing ghostly Saeva in haunted forest, from supernatural vengeance folktale.

Cinderella Retelling: Love Beyond Midnight

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

Every night, Juniper recited the same biblical verses, sometimes one hundred times, sometimes five hundred. If she stuttered or changed her voice’s inflection, Saeva’s wooden ruler with its cruel

Illustration of father opening python to reveal animals and peanut, Congo folktale of wisdom and humility.

The Son Who Tried to Outwit His Father: Congo Folktale

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

One day, a young son proudly challenged his father, saying, “I will hide, and you will never be able to find me.” The father, amused by the boast, leaned

Illustration of Small-ants carrying human skin scrap, Congo folktale explaining why ants live in houses.

Why the Small-Ants Live in Houses: Congo Folktale

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

In the heart of the Congo, there are countless species of ants, yet two in particular stand out in the daily lives of the people: the Small-ants and the

Illustration of Gazelle tricking Leopard at plum tree with Frog and Rat, traditional Congo folktale scene.

The Leopard Is Outwitted by the Gazelle, the Rat, and the Frog: Congo Folktale

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

Deep in the forests of the Congo, a powerful Leopard owned a splendid plum tree whose branches hung heavy with ripe fruit. The Leopard prized this tree, for its

Parchment-style illustration of crowned black cat fallen during a fox-mounted feline hunt in an African folktale.

The King of the Cats

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Inspired Tales

In the quaint riverside village of Tabby-on-Thames, where cobblestone streets wound between thatched-roof cottages and the ancient church bell tower cast long shadows across the town square, there lived

1 2 3 … 19 Next

Go toTop