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Central African Folktales - Page 10

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

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

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky

Long, long ago, when the world was still young and the boundaries between earth and sky were not yet firmly established, the Sun and Moon lived together in a beautiful house on the earth. Their dwelling was a magnificent structure with walls that gleamed like polished gold in the morning

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

The Boastful Frog

In the lush forests and rivers of Gabon, where the air echoed

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 brave girl confronting man-eating lion in forest; Beba folklore from Cameroon.

The Terror of the Forest

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, there lived a palm nut cutter who cherished his family above all earthly treasures. His wife brought him comfort,

Parchment-style illustration of Metse-Tsate-Nfo boldly confronting King Atabe on his throne; Beba folklore, Cameroon.

Clever Child Outwits King

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the ancient days when the morning mist still held secrets and wisdom flowed through the hills like sacred rivers, there lived a king whose arrogance knew no bounds.

Parchment-style illustration of Tswe the Hare racing Torokee the Tortoise in Cameroonian forest; Beba folklore.

The Hare and Tortoise Race

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

Among the Beba people, there’s an ancient wisdom: “One who has a sibling is never beaten to death.” This saying would prove prophetic in the legendary rivalry between Tswe-the-Hare

Parchment-style illustration of Ndafo the Tiger killing his elderly mother with a knife; Beba folklore from Cameroon.

Tiger Kills His Mother

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the days when friendship could survive the year of the locusts and bonds between creatures seemed unbreakable, Ndafo-the-Tiger and Torokee-the-Tortoise shared a companionship that had weathered many storms.

Parchment-style drawing of Monkey rescuing Leopard from pit; Beba folktale about ingratitude and justice

Monkey Outsmarts Leopard

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a verdant land far beyond the horizon, where the earth breathed life into countless crops and the seasons danced in perfect harmony with human toil, there lived a

Parchment-style drawing of Monkey scolding Bee at meal with Lion; West African folktale about friendship and justice.

Why Bees Sting Those Who Judge Others

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the heart of the vast West African forest, where ancient trees whispered secrets to the wind and every creature had a story to tell, there lived two unlikely

Bokeli at the smithy surprises Etungi, proving he lives; Fang folktale scene from Equatorial Guinea with moral lesson.

A Snake’s Skin Looks Like a Snake: Fang Folktale of Bokeli and Jamba

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Bokeli, son of Njambe-of-the-Sea-Coast, was compared to a snake. Just as a snake sheds its skin, leaving behind something that looks almost as frightening as the creature itself, so

Tortoise and Leopard inside the mythical Giant Goat, Fang folktale from Equatorial Guinea, symbolizing greed and consequences.

The Giant Goat of Njambe: A Fang Folktale of Cunning and Greed

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in the time when animals built towns and shared the earth with gifts from the Creator, two unlikely companions, Tortoise and Leopard, lived together in peace. They

Tortoise and Leopard inside giant Goat Mbodi, Fang folktale from Equatorial Guinea, villagers nearby in earthy illustration.

The Giant Goat and the Fate of Tortoise and Leopard: A Fang Folktale on Greed and Betrayal

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in a small town built by Tortoise (Kudu) and Leopard (Nja), peace and cooperation defined their early lives. Together, they cleared plantations, cultivated food, and raised families.

Gazelle and Leopard in an Equatorial Guinea folktale, family quarrel with elders teaching restraint and wisdom over anger.

Gazelle and Leopard: An Equatorial Guinea Folktale of Restraint.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In a far-off village, Gazelle and Leopard once decided to live side by side as neighbours and kin. Together, they built a town: Leopard took his place at one

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