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Central African Folktales - Page 7

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

Goat charging at Tortoise during a tournament as animals watch under a baobab tree - Benga folktale

The Goat’s Grand Tournament

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in the villages of the Benga people on Corisco Island, the animals often quarreled about strength and honor. Among them, none was more boastful than Goat. With

Tortoise and Deer racing on an African plain while animals cheer near a baobab tree - Benga folktale

Tortoise in a Race

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, on the sunlit shores of Corisco Island, the animals of the Benga people gathered for a contest. They had often argued about who among them was the

a proud leopard with faded paint, bent feathers, and scattered beads – Benga folktale

The Leopard’s Quest for Marriage

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, when animals lived as people and spoke with voices full of pride, Leopard was the fiercest hunter in the forest. His golden coat was marked with black

Parchment-style illustration of King-of-Scabies escaping tunnel while bees attack cannibal house; Cameroon folktale.

The Outcast Who Saved a Village

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the rolling hills of a distant land, eight days’ trek from memory itself, there once stood a village that bore the appearance of any other settlement across the

Parchment-style illustration of shape-shifting mother hunting antelope; African folktale of supernatural motherhood and loss.

The Shape-Shifting Mother

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a time when the boundary between human and animal was as thin as morning mist, there lived a woman possessed of extraordinary and mystical powers. She dwelt in

Parchment-style illustration of Ngonda cutting pumpkin plant while Bishi watches; African folktale of betrayal.

The Vengeful Friends, A Cycle of Cruelty

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

The dry season was drawing to its close, painting the African landscape in shades of golden dust and withered grass. It was that crucial time when village women moved

Parchment-style illustration of mother shocked as baby speaks at crossroads; African folktale of transformation.

The Selfish Mother: A Folktale of Greed

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In the heart of a vibrant African village where the rhythm of daily life echoed through clay-walled compounds and children’s laughter danced on the warm breeze, there lived a

Parchment-style illustration of Chebe eating alone from mortar indoors; West African folktale of greed and shame.

The Man with the Long Throat

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a small West African village where the sun painted golden shadows across thatched roofs and dust danced in the warm afternoon light, there lived a man whose reputation

Parchment-style illustration of three brothers breaking twigs together beside dying father; Beba folktale of unity.

Union Is Strength,United We Stand

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a village where the red earth stretched toward distant hills and palm trees swayed in the tropical breeze, there lived an elderly man whose heart carried a burden

Parchment-style illustration of Funyi carrying perfumed corpse in rain toward palace; Beba folktale of destiny.

Funyi’s Quest: The Orphan’s Journey

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a time when the world was younger and magic flowed more freely through the land, there lived a boy named Funyi whose life began with both blessing and

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