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Zambian Folktales - Page 2

Traditional folktales from Zambian (Zambia), passed down through generations in Southern African Folktales.

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

How the Monkeys Came to Be: A Zambian Folktale

by Ayomide Adekilekun

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of the African wilderness, there lay a quiet glade where a humble tribe had built their huts. The people lived in harmony with nature and with one another, sharing food, laughter, and the struggles of daily life. Among them lived a frail old man and his equally gaunt wife. They were always complaining of hunger

Kalulu the Hare beats a drum inside a pumpkin in the Elephant’s belly, Zambian Luchazi folktale.

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Kalulu and the Elephant: A Zambian Folktale

Kalulu the Hare was known throughout the land for his tireless energy and remarkable cleverness. Unlike most animals, who often depended on nature’s whims, Kalulu took matters into his own paws. He cultivated vast gardens filled with fresh vegetables, cabbages, carrots, lettuce, turnips, and maize. He was so diligent in

Illustration of Kalulu the Hare tricking the Lion in a Bemba folktale from Zambia.

How Kalulu Outsmarted the Lion: A Zambian Bemba Folktale

The Lion, king of the forest, had once again become uncontrollable. His

Kalulu the hare, disguised as a witchdoctor, saves the Lion from a snake in a Luchazi folktale.

Kalulu and the Lion: A Luchazi Folktale from Zambia

Long ago, when the Lion ruled as the mighty king of the

Illustration of Kalulu the Hare defeating the Snake in a Bemba folktale from Zambia.

Kalulu, the Hare, and the Snake: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Chief Mukulu’s chiefdom was in turmoil. Fear hung thick in the air, keeping men, women, and children locked inside their huts. No one dared work in the fertile fields

Folktale illustration of Kalulu tied by Hyena at the forest well, East African origin.

Kalulu and the Cunning Hyena: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

One summer, the forest became unbearably hot. The rains had ceased, and every water-hole had dried up, leaving the earth cracked and parched. Dust rose with every step, and

Kalulu the Hare racing while the Tortoise calmly appears ahead at each milestone, Zambian Luchazi folktale.

Kalulu and the Tortoise: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

It is often said: “Hard work and humility earn respect; respect can lead to pride; and pride, in turn, brings downfall.” These words proved true in the life of

Hunter, two-mouthed creature, faithful dog, plane tree and river — Luchazi (Zambia) folktale.

Chiyovo: The Two-Mouthed Thing: A Luchazi Tale (Zambia)

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

When the hunter saw the two-mouthed thing he cried “Chiyovo” “unlucky”, and his life left him before anyone could grasp what had happened.He had walked since dawn, following faint

Illustration of Kaonde folktale showing hunter, dog, lion, and clever use of a bell in Zambia.

The Bell That Outwitted the Lion: A Kaonde Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

In a quiet village of Zambia, there once lived a humble hunter whose life revolved around the forest. He was not a man of wealth or power, but he

Illustration of Kaonde folktale showing boys, girls, magical dog, and Zambian cultural setting.

The Dog That United the Boys and Girls: A Kaonde Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, deep within the forests of Zambia, a strange division separated boys and girls into two villages across a wide river. The boys lived alone in their huts

Illustration of Mulonga, Mwinambuzhi, Leza, and Mayimba with the gourds in Kaonde creation myth from Zambia.

The Origin of Life and Death: A Kaonde Creation Myth from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, before the world was filled with people, the Ba-Kaonde of Zambia tell that there was only Leza, the Supreme God. Though unseen, Leza’s presence was everywhere, guiding

A Bemba folktale from Zambia showing Ndime singing from a fig tree as hunters rest below.

When the Chief Was Away: Jealousy and Justice in a Bemba Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

One afternoon, the senior wife of a great Chief gave a command that set the rhythm of the day. “Quickly, grind the mealie into flour. Prepare enough to feed

Bemba folktale from Zambia showing a woman in a tree weaving baskets while men are cast down by magic.

A Match for Any Man: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

There was once a remarkable woman who proved herself a match for any man. Orphaned at six, she grew up in a village where all the children were boys.

Two Bemba brothers save a baby from a hyena and protect maidens in a Zambian folktale.

Singambala and Kabwell: Heroes of the Hunt | A Tale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

In a time when hunters roamed the Zambian bush with bows and arrows, two brothers, Singambala and Kabwell, were famed for their skill. Brave and sharp-eyed, they spent their

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