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Nigerian Folktales

Traditional folktales from Nigerian (Nigeria), passed down through generations in West African Folktales.

A clever tortoise carrying a huge pile of yams on his back as his shell begins to crack, while birds and forest animals scatter in surprise – Igbo folktales

How the Tortoise Broke His Shell

by Elizabeth Fabowale

Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Come closer, for this tale is older than the hills, older than the tallest trees in the forest. Long ago, in a lush village beside the great river, there lived a tortoise whose cunning and greed were known far and wide. His shell shone like polished ebony, smooth and strong, and all the animals admired him for his cleverness and

Parchment-style illustration of Bat fleeing into night sky as animals watch angrily, Nigerian folktale explaining his flight.

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Why the Bat Flies by Night

Long ago, when animals still lived in harmony and often spoke together, there was a great friendship between the Bat and the Squirrel. They were inseparable companions, always seen together in the forest. The Bat, clever and quick-witted, admired the Squirrel’s playful energy, while the Squirrel trusted the Bat’s wisdom

Clever tortoise tricking leopard near mountain village Sotho folklore Lesotho

The Clever Tortoise

The Clever Tortoise — A traditional Sotho Folktales from Lesotho

African folktale where the sun and moon are lifted into the sky by rising water, with fish and sea creatures filling the overflowing house.

Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky

Long ago, before the world was as we know it today, the

Parchment-style illustration of hawk stealing chick; Nigerian folktale of King Effiong and silent owl revenge.

The Wise Hawk and the Owl

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Calabar, when the great King Effiong ruled over all the land, there lived a time of remarkable harmony between all living creatures.

Parchment-style illustration of Edet Etim facing alligators by Cross River; Nigerian folktale from Calabar region.

The Drummer and the Alligators

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the bustling town of ‘Nsidung, south of the great trading city of Calabar, where the Cross River winds its way to the Atlantic Ocean, there lived a woman

Parchment-style illustration of Nsasak and Odudu birds in Nigerian countryside; vibrant plumage and earthy landscape.

The King Adam’s Test

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the ancient kingdom of Calabar, during the reign of the legendary King Adam, there lived countless creatures both great and small throughout the lush forests and fertile lands

Parchment-style illustration of fishing eagle watching bird battle in Nigerian folktale of leadership and wisdom.

The Election of the King Bird

African Folktales·Inspired Tales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the ancient city of Old Town, Calabar, where the mighty Cross River flows toward the Atlantic Ocean and palm trees sway in the humid coastal breeze, there once

Parchment-style illustration of Mi O Mọ̀ seated with a Yoruba king, sharing wisdom in a regal setting.

The Foundling Hero

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales

In the ancient days when spirits still walked among mortals and the boundary between the seen and unseen worlds was thin as morning mist, a great chief of Ibadan

Parchment-style illustration of Adamma and Omalicha aiding a bearded dwarf, an Igbo folktale.

The Two Sisters and the Cursed Prince

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales

In the heart of ancient Igboland, where the forest whispered secrets to those who knew how to listen and the rivers sang lullabies to sleeping villages, there stood a

Parchment-style illustration of Moonlight resting in a carved chest, Efik folktale from Calabar, Nigeria.

The Moonlight and Sunlight

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the ancient days when the Cross River flowed with stories and the winds carried whispers of old magic through the mangrove forests, there ruled a great king among

Parchment-style illustration of Anwa bringing food to Nkoyo in Calabar courtyard, Nigerian folktale scene.

The Chief’s Daughter and Servant Girl

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in the bustling village of Calabar where the Cross River met the Atlantic Ocean and palm wine flowed freely at evening gatherings, there lived a chief whose

Parchment-style illustration of Ekanem meeting Adiaha at a magical forest pool, Nigerian folktale scene.

Ekanem and the River Spirit’s Daughter

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when the great rivers of Calabar flowed with the wisdom of ancient spirits and the forest held secrets older than memory, a young girl named Ekanem lived,

Parchment-style Yoruba folktale illustration of greedy tortoise struggling with heavy yam basket as dog walks away.

The Tortoise, the Dog, and the Farmer

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the ancient land of Kurumi, nestled in the heart of southwestern Nigeria, a terrible famine had settled over the villages like a dark shadow. The once-fertile fields lay

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