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Mpongwe Folktales

The Mpongwe are a Bantu ethnic group of Gabon, traditionally settled along the coast near Libreville. Their folktales often feature trickster animals, moral lessons, and themes of community life. These stories preserve the wisdom and values of the Mpongwe people.

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

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

A lonely hyena sits with piles of meat while other animals keep away - Gabonese folktale

Why Hyena Was Left Alone

In the deep forests of Gabon, where the air hung heavy with

Hyena striking a large drum as animals watch in the forest - Gabonese folktale

The Hyena and the Drum

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

Once upon a time, in the deep forests of Gabon where the Mpongwe people told stories under the moonlight, the animals gathered in the great clearing to share news.

Spider caught after stealing food from the animals’ pot in a Gabonese folktale

The Spider’s Trick on the Animals

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

Long ago, when the animals lived together in villages and shared their food, there was one among them who was known for his cleverness and trickery. This was Spider.

A tortoise standing calmly as a thundercloud roars above the forest - Gabonese folktale

The Thunder and the Tortoise

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

Long ago, in the days when the earth was still new, the sky spoke often to the land. Among the voices of the sky, none was more feared than

A crab at the riverbank moving toward the water while a leopard watches from the forest - Gabonese folktale

Why the Crab Lives in the Water

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

Long ago, when the earth was young and animals lived together in villages like people, there was a time of constant quarrels. Each animal wanted to prove its strength,

Animals and birds arguing in a village clearing, with Leopard and birds in conflict - Gabonese folktale

The Quarrel of the Beasts and the Birds

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

Long ago, in the green forests of Gabon, the animals and the birds lived together in peace. The forest was alive with sound, as the cries of the beasts

A fisherman in a canoe on a river waits patiently with a net full of fish - Gabonese folktale

The Foolish Fisherman

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

Once there lived a fisherman who depended on the great river for his livelihood. Each day he cast his nets, hoping for a plentiful catch to feed his family

Antelope frees Leopard from a hunter’s trap as Tortoise watches nearby - Gabonese folktale

Why Gratitude Matters

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

Long ago, deep in the forests of Gabon, the animals lived side by side under the tall trees and wide skies. Among them were Leopard and Antelope, two creatures

birds quarreling in the forest as Hawk spreads his wings to restore peace - Gabonese folktale

The Quarrel of the Birds

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

In the dense green forests of Gabon, where the canopy touched the sky and the air rang with the songs of countless creatures, the birds once lived together in

A frightened child faces glowing forest spirits at night while villagers pray nearby - Gabonese folktales

The Disobedient Child

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

Long ago, in a small Mpongwe village in the heart of Gabon, there lived a boy who was known for his restless spirit. He was lively, playful, and full

Tortoise speaking wisely to Leopard and other animals under a silk-cotton tree in a Gabonese folktale

The King’s Test of the Animals

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

Long ago in the deep forests of Gabon, the animals lived together under the rule of a great king, Leopard. He was powerful and feared, for his sharp teeth

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