FolktalesAfrica.com

Browse Category

Southern African Folktales - Page 10

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

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

The Clever Little Jackal and the Lion

by Oyebode Ayoola

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, while roaming the bush in search of food, Jackal crossed paths with the mighty Lion. Lion, proud and strong, suggested they join forces for the day’s hunt. “Let us make an

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

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

The Lion and the Jackal

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

Parchment-style illustration of Jackal lying dead in road as wagon of fish

The Jackal and the Wolf

In the wide, open lands of South Africa, near the colony’s borders,

Illustration of greedy old couple turning into monkeys on a tree, from a Zambian folktale.

How the Monkeys Came to Be: A Zambian Folktale

Long ago, in the heart of the African wilderness, there lay a

Two Angolan traders, one carrying the other, on a weary road – Kimbundu folktale.

Mr. Carry-Me-Not and Mr. Tell-Me-Not | A Folktale from Angola on Listening, Trust, and Consequences

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of Angola, there lived two companions known by their strange names: Mr. Carry-Me-Not and Mr. Tell-Me-Not. Both were traders, men who travelled with their

Four Angolan sisters named Uoua, youngest holding preserved rats, in a Kimbundu folktale scene.

The Four Uouas: An Angolan Folktale on Wisdom, Marriage, and Fairness

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the household of Na Kimanaueze kia Tumb’a Ndala, a respected man loved by many, four daughters were born to one mother. There were no sons in

Illustration of Kianda spirit marrying young woman, Angolan Kimbundu folktale, underwater scene with ornaments and gifts

The Kianda and the Young Woman: An Angolan Folktale of Desire, Loss, and Vigilance.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

A woman lived quietly with her two daughters, caring for them as best as she could. One day, a strange and unsettling figure appeared before them: the Skull of

Two brothers fight Ma-kishi spirits outside a hut, Angolan Kimbundu folktale scene.

The Children of the Widow: An Angolan Folktale of Courage, Vigilance, and Justice

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Once, in a quiet Angolan village, a woman bore her children and raised them with love. Their father passed away too soon, leaving her to guide them through life.

Four sisters hide in a tree while Ma-Kishi spirits chop, saved by a hawk in Kimbundu folktale.

The Girls and the Ma-Kishi: An Angolan Folktale of Wisdom, Vigilance, and Courage

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, there were three young women who often visited the Ma-Kishi, mysterious spirit-people who lived far from their village. The distance between the two places was long, but

Ngana Samba carries her children across a river, escaping the Ma-kishi in a Kimbundu Angolan folktale.

Ngana Samba and the Ma-Kishi: A Kimbundu Folktale of Courage, Motherhood, and Escape.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

long ago, during the dry season, the people of a village gathered to burn the prairie. Men and women worked together: the men hunted game in the open grasslands,

Illustration of Sudika-Mbambi and Kabundungulu separating, symbolized by thunder, from Kimbundu folktale of Angola.

Sudika-Mbambi and Kabundungulu: A Kimbundu Folktale of Courage, Betrayal, and the Division of Brothers.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Let us tell of Ngana Kimanaueze kia Tumba a Ndala, beloved among friends, who begat a son named Nga Nzua of Kimanaueze. One day, Kimanaueze commanded his son: “Go

Illustration of Angolan Kimbundu folktale woman bursting as magical fish escapes, cautionary tale of desire.

The Woman Who Longed for Fish: A Traditional Angolan Folktale.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of the Kimbundu people of Angola, there lived a man named Ngana Kimalauezu kia Tumb’a Ndala and his wife. They shared a life together,

Illustration of Fenda Maria playing magical flute before Nga Nzua, an Angolan Kimbundu folktale.

Fenda Maria and Nga Nzua: An Angolan Folktale of Truth, Resilience, and Justice.

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the heart of Angola, among the Kimbundu people, there lived a brother and sister whose bond was tested by tragedy, hardship, and betrayal. This is the story of

Fenda Maria reveals her hidden glory in church with treasures and music, from a traditional Angolan folktale.

The Story of Fenda Maria and Nga Nzua: Traditional Folktale of the Kimbundu People, Angola

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

I often tell the story of Nga Nzua, son of Kinoueza kia Tumb’a Ndala. When his father died, and soon after his mother too, he was left with only

Previous 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next

Go toTop