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Central African Folktales - Page 13

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 drawing of Bat flying from Sun above grave; African folktale about betrayal and mourning.

Why Bats Avoid Sunlight

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

Once upon a time, in the heart of Africa where the baobab trees stretched their ancient arms toward endless skies, there lived two friends whose bond was legendary throughout

Parchment-style drawing of Tortoise’s forge with Cockroach, Chicken, Genet, and Leopard; African folktale of trickery.

The Animals War with Humans

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the bustling heart of an African village, where the sound of hammering metal rang out from dawn until dusk and sparks flew like tiny stars against the smoky

Parchment-style drawing of Tortoise luring Leopard and Boa toward trap; African folktale about deception and rivalry.

The Treachery of Tortoise

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the deep heart of the African wilderness, where ancient trees formed a canopy so thick that sunlight reached the forest floor in scattered golden coins, there lived creatures

Parchment-style drawing of Dove warning Crocodile as Leopard approaches; African folktale about betrayal and oaths.

The Dove’s Double Oath

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

Along the banks of a winding African river where the water flowed dark and deep between sandy shores, there lived Ibembe the Dove in the days when animals spoke

Tortoise hides at palm wine tree base as Leopard threatens Rat in Equatorial Guinea folktale.

The Lies of Tortoise: An Equatorial Guinea Folktale.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In the days when animals and humans shared the forests and rivers of Equatorial Guinea, cunning was often a weapon sharper than claws or teeth. Among all creatures, none

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

Why Hyena Was Left Alone

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

In the deep forests of Gabon, where the air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and the rivers carried songs through the trees, Hyena roamed with restless

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

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