FolktalesAfrica.com

Browse Category

Southern African Folktales - Page 5

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

Nsenga tale: hare, goat, dog and python at the totem tree, Eastern Zambia.

The Hare Who Slew the Python: A Nsenga Folktale (Zambia)

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

In a village ringed by bush and shadow, a monstrous python had taken up its home in the great totem tree, sliding down at will to snatch fowls, calves

Illustration of Mhala at the threshold proving his wit before Chief Mukuru in a Bemba folktale.

The Fool Who Wed the Fairy Princess: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, when the world was still young and only a few humans roamed the earth, wild animals ruled the land. Each beast claimed dominion over its territory, and

Illustration of a Bemba folktale showing a man leaving while a ghostly infant follows, symbolizing justice.

Were You My Father?: A Zambian Folktale of Betrayal and Justice

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, when villages lived closely with the rhythms of nature, there was a young man who had grown into adulthood under the care of his mother. Seeing her

Illustration of a hare tricking a two-mouthed python near a sacred tree in a traditional Bemba folktale from Zambia.

The Hare and the Two-Mouthed Python: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, when life was unhurried and time seemed to wait for every man’s turn at happiness, there was a village sunk in deep sorrow. Its people were restless,

A proud rhinoceros racing while a turtle outsmarts him, traditional Bemba folktale from Zambia.

The Rhinoceros and the Turtle: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

A family of rhinoceroses once sat together after a meal, speaking of life on earth and in heaven. Some praised heaven as a place of eternal joy, while others

Hare leads hunters to a trapped lion near a baobab — Zambian (Bemba) folktale.

The Hare and the Lion : A Zambian (Bemba) Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

The lion’s terrible appetite had emptied the bush of game, and fear clung to every village and kopje. For many nights the great beast prowled the forests and fields,

A Zambian Bemba folktale showing the fish-husband running to the river.

The Fish Wife: A Zambian Bemba Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Once, in a small Zambian village, there lived a girl whose life was marked by hardship and sorrow. She was small in stature, plain in appearance, and lacked the

Tiny bird outsmarts a lion in Bemba folktale from Zambia, animals watch in forest.

Tiny Titi’s Clever Trick: A Folktale of Courage and Wit | From Bemba, Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

It was a terrible day in the forest, especially for the animals that lived only on grass and leaves. The lion, the fiercest hunter of all, had killed many

Illustration of animals receiving horns while zebra grazes, from a traditional Bemba folktale in Zambia.

Why the Zebra Remained Hornless: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, when animals still gathered in great councils and spoke to one another with wisdom and fear, they faced a problem that weighed heavily on their minds. The

Illustration of elephant king, hare councillor, and lizard’s deceit in a traditional Bemba folktale from Zambia.

Suspicion Spreads: The Elephant, the Hare, and the Rise of Distrust | Bemba Folklore

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, when the world was still young and only animals roamed the earth, the elephant ruled as king over all creatures. By his side was his trusted councillor,

Previous 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 13 Next

Go toTop