African Folktales

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Southern African Folktales

Traditional folktales from Southern African Folktales, passed down through generations.

Parchment-style illustration of sly Jackal tricking angry Lion near cave, African folktale about wit over strength.

The Lion and the Jackal

by Oyebode Ayoola

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the wild and open plains of South Africa, where the sun burned fiercely during the day and the nights were alive with the sounds of animals, there lived two unlikely companions: the Lion and the Jackal. The Lion was mighty, feared by all creatures. His roar echoed across the grasslands, and his strength made him king of the beasts.

Parchment-style illustration of Lion pulling Jackal from eland carcass, African folktale with sly trickery and savannah setting.

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

The Hunt of Lion and Jackal

Long ago, when the great animals still roamed the plains in friendship and rivalry, the Lion and the Jackal once set out together to hunt an eland, the mighty antelope that was the prize of the savanna. The sun hung high above the grasslands, and the air shimmered with heat

Parchment-style illustration of jackal, dove on a rock, and heron by river, Khoikhoi African folktale scene.

Jackal, Dove, and Heron

Long ago, in the vast landscapes of Southern Africa, a story unfolded

Spirit emerging from baobab tree at twilight Tsonga folklore Mozambique

The Spirit of the Baobab

In a time long before roads and machines, when the wind carried

Parchment-style illustration of lion looking at the sky without wings, animals watching, African folktale origin.

When Lion Could Fly

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the days when the world was still young and full of wonders, the animals lived in great fear of one among them: Lion. But this was

Parchment-style illustration of Rabbit trapped by Tortoise during drought, Southern African folktale scene, earthy warm tones.

The Dance for Water or Rabbit’s Triumph

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, during a time of terrible drought, the earth grew dry and lifeless. Rivers shrank into empty beds, springs ceased to bubble, and the parched land cracked under

Parchment-style illustration of Jackal, Hyena in cowhide, Lion, and ants, Southern African folktale.

Jackal’s Bride

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

The tale of Jackal’s Bride comes from the oral traditions of Southern Africa, a land where stories echo through the savannas, teaching lessons through animal characters that mirror human strengths

Parchment-style illustration of elephant and tortoise at lagoon, Southern African Khoikhoi folktale scene.

Elephant and Tortoise

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the wide plains of Southern Africa, two mighty forces quarreled, Elephant, the giant of the earth, and Rain, the life-giver from the skies. Their dispute shook

Parchment-style illustration of Baboon judging Fox and Lion with a cowhide, African folktale scene.

The Judgment of Baboon

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the days when animals still walked and talked with the wisdom of men, Baboon once found himself in possession of a cowhide. It was not just an ordinary

Parchment-style illustration of tortoises in rows trapping ostriches, Khoikhoi folktale from Southern Africa.

Tortoises Hunting Ostriches

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the vast, sunlit plains of Southern Africa, where the red earth met the golden horizon, there lived a great community of tortoises. Unlike the other animals of the

Parchment-style West African folktale illustration showing Crocodile plotting treachery while Lion, Jackal, and Elephant observe near the riverbank.

Crocodile’s Treason

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when animals still spoke and lived much like humans, Crocodile held a position of authority over all water creatures. He was the undisputed foreman of the rivers,

Parchment-style African folktale illustration showing a lioness and ostrich facing each other in the savannah, highlighting strength and rivalry.

The Lioness and the Ostrich

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the open plains of Africa, when animals spoke and tested one another’s strength, there lived a mighty lioness. She was feared across the land for her

Parchment-style African folktale illustration showing clever Jackal outwitting mighty Lion on a rocky cliff.

The Clever Little Jackal and the Lion

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when animals lived, spoke, and hunted much like people, there was a little Jackal who was as sharp-witted as he was quick on his feet. One day,

illustration on aged parchment showing a lion climbing a stone tower while a jackal at the top prepares to drop a steaming object; “OldFolktales.com” appears in the top right corner.

Lion’s Share

African Folktales·South African Folktales

In the vast wilderness of South Africa, where the golden grasslands stretch endlessly under the blazing sun, there lived a mighty Lion and a cunning Jackal who had formed

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