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Central African Folktales - Page 3

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

Illustration of Bakongo folktale showing a child saving his mother from an Imp’s trap

How a Child Saved His Mother’s Life: A Bakongo Folktale From DR Congo.

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

Once upon a time, in a small village near the forests of the Congo, a man cleared a vast piece of bushland and asked his wife to plant it

Illustration of Frog confronting Hawk in Bakongo folktale from Congo, reclaiming his debt through wit and persistence.

The Frog and the Hawk: A Debt Repaid | A Bakongo Folktale, DR Congo.

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

Long ago, the Hawk lived high above in sky-land, soaring freely through the clouds, while the Frog dwelled humbly upon the earth among rivers and swamps. One day, the

Illustration of Tortoise and Gazelle in a Bakongo folktale from Congo, showing deceit and justice in action.

The Punishment of the Deceitful Tortoise : A Bakongo Folktale

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

One day, the cunning Tortoise set a trap, hoping to secure food for himself. Before long, an unsuspecting antelope was caught in it. Instead of rejoicing quietly, the Tortoise

Owl and Kingfisher on a rope above a stream in a Bakongo folktale from Congo.

The Kingfisher and the Owl | A Bakongo Folktale from the Democratic Republic of Congo

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

Long ago, among the Bakongo people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, two proud birds, the Owl and the Kingfisher, sat in dispute over a question of endurance. The

Tunga, the Squirrel, and the Leopard beneath a tree in a Bakongo folktale from Congo.

Tunga and the Squirrel : A Bakongo Folktale from the Democratic Republic of Congo

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

Once, long ago in the lands of the Bakongo people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there lived a man named Tunga. He was not a poor man, for

Yakob rescued by Water-fairies in a Congolese folktale about forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.

The Water-Fairies Who Saved Yakob: A Congolese Folktale

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

Pedro was a well-known trader in birds, traveling across long distances to buy and sell them in distant markets. Whatever birds remained unsold, he carried home, keeping them until

Civet, Tortoise, and Monkey at a crossroads in a Congolese folktale about friendship and reconciliation

How the Civet and the Tortoise Lost and Regained Their Friendship : A Congolese Folktale

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

Once upon a time, in the villages of Congo, there lived two remarkable friends: the Civet and the Tortoise. Though they resided in different towns, their bond was admired

Crow and Dove before elders in Congolese folktale about greed, honesty, and justice.

The Crow and the Dove: A Congolese Folktale of Greed and Consequences

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

Long ago, deep within the lands of Congo where vast forests stretched endlessly and the cries of birds filled the air, two companions, the Crow and the Dove, agreed

Gazelle and Palm-Rat in Congolese folktale, palm tree scene with fire and smoke.

The Gazelle and the Palm-Rat: A Congolese Folktale of Broken Promises

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

In the heart of a great forest in Congo, where tall palm trees swayed gently under the golden sun, a hungry Gazelle wandered restlessly in search of food. His

Illustration of Gazelle discovering his children in a sack while Leopard eats honey, Congolese folktale.

The Wise Gazelle and the Deceitful Leopard: A Congolese Folktale

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

Once, in a quiet African town surrounded by dense forests and wide grasslands, a Leopard and a Gazelle lived side by side with their wives and children. Their homes

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