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Central African Folktales - Page 2

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 Mouse Deer crossing crocodiles in a African folktale of clever escapes.

Mouse Deer’s Greatest Adventures

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

In the lush tropical forests of African, where mighty rivers wind through dense jungles and ancient trees tower toward the sky, lived the most cunning creature in all the

Parchment-style illustration of Two-Eyes meeting a kind old woman and her goat

The Two Eyes Fairy Tale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

Deep in the heart of an ancient forest, where tall pine trees whispered secrets to the wind and morning mist clung to moss-covered stones, stood a small cottage that

Parchment-style illustration of Mouse Deer tricking Tiger near a muddy puddle

The Mouse Deer and Tiger

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

In the dense, emerald forests, where ancient trees stretch their canopies toward the tropical sun and exotic birds fill the air with melodious calls, there lived a small but

Parchment-style illustration of Quackling who defeated the King with ladder, river, and bees

The Small Duck with the Loud Voice

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

In a time long past, when magic still danced through the countryside and animals spoke as clearly as you or I, there lived a most unusual duck. Though he

Parchment-style drawing of Kate using a magic wand to restore Anne’s human form in an African fairy tale setting.

The Fairy Hill Dancer

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

In the days when the African kingdoms flourished under endless skies and the baobab trees whispered ancient secrets to the wind, there lived a great king who ruled with

Painting of a West African woman holding a baby as she confronts a glowing spirit woman in a forest, surrounded by ethereal beings scene from a coastal folktale.

The Fishwife and the Changeling

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

Along the shores of the great African waters, where the mighty waves crash against ancient cliffs and fishing boats dance like water birds on the restless sea, there lived

Parchment-style illustration of miller and son carrying donkey across bridge,

The Miller and Donkey Fable

African Folktales·Central African Folktales

The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone path as an old miller prepared for his weekly journey to the bustling marketplace. His weathered hands adjusted the rope

Leopard bowing to the Goat with horns as Gazelle observes, Bakongo folktale from DR Congo.

The Leopard Pays Homage to the Goat : A Bakongo Folktale

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

Long ago, among the Bakongo people of the Congo, it was said that there was a time when the proud Leopard humbled himself before the Goat, mistaking his beard

Gazelle trapped by Bakongo nkondi fetish as Leopard watches in traditional DR Congo folktale scene.

The Gazelle Is at Last Punished : A Bakongo Folktale from DR Congo

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

Once upon a time, in the traditions of the Bakongo people of what is today the Democratic Republic of Congo, there lived a Gazelle and a Leopard who decided

Gazelle presenting dried meat to a mother and daughter in a Congolese folktale, forest background.

The Gazelle’s Clever Quest for a Wife: A Congolese Folktale

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

Once upon a time, in the deep forests of the Congo, there lived a graceful Gazelle who longed to find a wife. His heart was restless, and so he

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