African Folktales

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Southern African Folktales - Page 3

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 weary traveler meeting spirit of the World, African folktale teaching life’s lessons.

The World’s Reward

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when the earth was still young and men and animals shared the same spaces, there lived a poor orphan boy. He had no father or mother, no

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

The Lion, the Jackal, and the Man

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when the earth was young and animals still spoke with the same voice as humankind, there lived a mighty Lion. His mane shimmered golden beneath the sun,

Tswana girl facing lion spirit in golden

The Girl and the Lion Spirit

African Folktales·Botswanan Folktales

The Girl and the Lion Spirit — A traditional Tswana Folktales from Botswana

Glowing magical tree surrounded by Shona villagers Zimbabwe folklore

The Magic Tree of Life

African Folktales·Zimbabwean Folktales

The Magic Tree of Life — A traditional Shona Folktales from Zimbabwe

How the Rainbird Got Its Call

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Venda folktales

How the Rainbird Got Its Call — A traditional Venda Folktales from South Africa

Chameleon speaking to rain cloud in hills Zulu folklore South Africa

The Rain and the Chameleon

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Zulu folktales

The Rain and the Chameleon — A traditional Zulu Folktales from South Africa

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