African Folktales

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Southern African Folktales - Page 2

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 a Boer kraal at dawn with rifle-bearing farmer, South African folktale setting.

Jackal and Monkey Trap Deception

African Folktales·South African Folktales

In the rolling hills of the African countryside, where Boer farmers tended their flocks beneath endless skies, there lived a jackal whose cunning was matched only by his appetite

Rabbit stuck to pitch-covered Tortoise at riverbed; African folktale scene in warm earthy tones, aged parchment style.

Rabbit Water Dance Trickster: African Folktale Victory

African Folktales·South African Folktales

In the time when the African plains stretched endlessly under a merciless sun, a terrible drought descended upon the land like a curse from the heavens. Week after week,

Parchment-style scene of Jackal stuck to sticky Tortoise at dam entrance; African folktale in earthy tones.

Cunning Jackal & Water Dam: African Folktale Trickster Tale

African Folktales·South African Folktales

In the scorching heart of the African wilderness, where the sun blazed mercilessly across endless plains and the earth cracked like broken pottery, a terrible drought descended upon the

Jackal tricks Lion at a wedding feast while Hyena wears a cowhide dress, African folktale from the Khoikhoi tradition

Jackal’s Bride: A Traditional African Folktale of Trickery and Consequence

African Folktales·South African Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when animals lived and spoke as people do, there was a cunning creature named Jackal. He was small in size but clever beyond measure, and his tricks

African folktale where the clever Jackal helps the sick lion recover using Hyena’s skin as a remedy.

Lion’s Illness and the Clever Jackal

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of the African forest, the mighty lion fell ill. The news of his suffering spread quickly, and all the animals of the forest hurried

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

The Jackal and the Wolf

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the wide, open lands of South Africa, near the colony’s borders, lived a sly creature known to all as Jackal. He was sharp-eyed, quick-thinking, and always searching for

A Jackal and a Wolf”

A Jackal and a Wolf

African Folktales·South African Folktales

Long ago, in the dusty villages of Southern Africa, a Jackal and a Wolf set out to find a master. They offered their strength and service to a man,

A council of different ants arguing while a beetle carrying a scroll wanders away – African folktale

THE LOST MESSAGE

African Folktales·South African Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in the days when the insect world was filled with both harmony and rivalry, the ants were among the most troubled creatures. Small in size, yet countless

A man builds a cattle kraal while another flees burned toward the hills, origin of Hottentots and Bushmen.

Origin of the Difference in Modes of Life Between Hottentots and Bushmen

African Folktales·South African Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in the first days of the world, when people were still learning how to live upon the earth, there were two men. They were unlike in their

Parchment-style illustration of a jackal tricking tiger in forest, warm earthy tones and aged texture.

THE CUNNING JACKAL AND TIGER

African Folktales·South African Folktales

In the heart of the African wilderness, where neighboring farms stretched across the golden savanna, there lived a jackal who had earned himself quite a reputation. Not because he

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