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Ivorian Folktales

Traditional folktales from Ivorian (Côte d’Ivoire), passed down through generations in West African Folktales.

Tortoise falling from the sky after tricking the birds at a heavenly feast in an Igbo folktale about greed and downfall.

The Tortoise and the Feast in the Sky

by Elizabeth Fabowale

Ivorian Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, before your grandmother’s grandmother was born, the animals of the earth lived in unity and often gathered for celebrations. Among them was Tortoise, a creature known not only for his wit but also for his endless greed. He was clever, sharp, and persuasive, yet he always looked for ways to gain more than others. One season, the birds

Alt Text: Queen Abla Pokou stands with her people by a wide river, pointing toward the far bank as they prepare to cross - Ivorian folktale

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Abla Pokou and the Birth of the Baoulé People

The story of Queen Abla Pokou is one of the most powerful folktales from Côte d’Ivoire. It is remembered for its deep themes of sacrifice, leadership, and the birth of a nation. It is a tale passed down through the generations among the Baoulé people, carrying both sorrow and pride.

Mantis steals glowing moonlight in the Kalahari Desert, watched by jackal and ostrich under a starry sky.

How the Mantis Stole the Moonlight

Listen, children of the desert wind, listen well to this tale

A mischievous monkey trapped in a hunter’s net while villagers and animals watch with concern - Ivorian folktale

The Trickster Monkey of the Dan People

Among the Dan people of Côte d’Ivoire there is a story often

Parchment-style illustration of Ivorian crow lying featherless in dust as kites confront him in reclaimed village.

The Crows and the Kites

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the time when birds ruled their own kingdoms and settled disputes through war and cunning, two powerful sultans governed their respective peoples. Koongooroo, the proud sultan of the

Parchment-style illustration of African monkey offering fruit to shark from tree over ocean near coastal village.

The Clever Monkey & the Greedy Shark

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

In a small coastal village nestled at the foot of towering cliffs, life moved to the rhythm of the ocean waves. The humble collection of huts stood just beyond

Parchment-style illustration of Ivorian rabbit confronting baboon in forest clearing, inspired by traditional folktale themes.

Gudu the Trickster Baboon

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Far away in a hot country where the forests grew thick and dark, and rivers ran swift and strong through the dense vegetation, there once lived an unusual pair

Parchment-style illustration of Ivorian students confronting gazelle under calabash tree after teacher’s tragic death.

The Death of Teacher Goso

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

In a small village where children gathered for learning, there lived a kind and dedicated teacher named Goso. Unlike other teachers who instructed their pupils in enclosed schoolhouses, Goso

Parchment-style illustration of Father Grumbler presenting basket to king outdoors, inspired by traditional folktale themes.

Father Grumbler and the Magic Basket

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales

In a small village nestled between rolling hills and winding streams, there lived a man who had nearly as many children as there were sparrows fluttering through his garden.

Parchment-style illustration of Zanzibar ape, snake, and lion gathered in dry savanna, inspired by traditional folktale themes.

The Ape, the Snake, and the Lion

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long, long ago, in the cocoa-growing village of Kobolè, not far from the great Taï Forest, there lived a widow and her only son. The scent of roasted plantains

Parchment-style illustration of jackal lunging at hedgehog in African savanna, inspired by traditional folktale themes.

The Jackal and the Hedgehog

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

In a country teeming with wild beasts of every imaginable sort, where lions prowled and leopards stalked and danger lurked behind every acacia tree, there once lived a jackal

A magical bird with bright feathers creating baskets of food for villagers in an Ivorian folktale

The Bird of Abundance

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago in the land of the Senufo, there was a humble farmer who lived on the edge of the forest. Though his field was small and his harvests

Fishermen in wooden canoes struggling on a stormy lake as strong waves rise around them - Ivorian folktale

The Fishermen and the Water Spirit of Lake Kossou

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when the Baoulé people first settled near the shimmering waters of Lake Kossou, the lake was both a blessing and a mystery. Its surface glittered like glass

Elephant racing with a chameleon hidden on its tail - Ivorian folktale

The Elephant and the Chameleon

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Among the Senufo people of Côte d’Ivoire there is a tale that has been told for generations to remind both children and elders that wisdom does not always walk

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