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Southern African Folktales - Page 11

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

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

The Clever Little Jackal and the Lion

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

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,

a Zulu girl holding a drum on a hill as rain begins to fall over the savannah, symbolising renewal and sacrifice

The Girl Who Brought Back the Rain

Long ago, when rivers still whispered to the mountains and the winds

A young bride pounds grain as a bird sings names of her brothers-in-law, Kimbundu folktale.

A Bride and Her Brothers-in-Law: A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Once upon a time, a young man lived with his four brothers. He was the fifth among them, and one day he saw a young woman who pleased him.

Illustration of a talking yam surrounded by astonished villagers in an Angolan village setting.

When Pride Meets Truth: An Angolan Folktale that Teaches Lessons on Wisdom and Strength

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the vast forests and open plains of Angola, the Lion raised his mighty voice in a roar that shook the trees and startled the birds into

Frog in jug carried to heavens by maidens climbing Spider’s web in Angolan folktale

The Son of Kimanaueze and the Daughter of Sun and Moon: A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of the Kimbundu people, there lived a man named Kimanaueze who had a son destined for greatness. When this son grew into manhood, his

Two dogs sing before villagers, exposing betrayal, in an Angolan Kimbundu folktale.

Mutelembe and Ngunga | A Kimbundu Folktale on Betrayal, Loyalty, and Truth

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Two men, elder and younger, once said to each other, “Let us go hunting!” The younger man had two loyal dogs, one named Mutelembe and the other Ngunga. Together,

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,

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