Timeless African folktales retold for a new generation
How the Tortoise Broke His Shell
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,
The Lucky Fisherman: A Folktale of Kindness and Reward
Long ago, in a quiet village by the sea, there lived a
Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky
Long ago, before the world was as we know it today, the
How the Cannibals Drove the People from Insofan Mountain to the Cross River (Ikom Folktale)
Long ago, high in the rugged hills of what is now the Ikom district of Nigeria, there stood a powerful settlement known as Insofan. The town sat upon a
The Slave Girl Who Tried to Kill Her Mistress
Long ago, in a small village in Nigeria, there lived a wealthy woman who purchased a young slave girl to serve in her household. The girl, though outwardly obedient,
The Orphan Boy and the Magic Stone
Long ago, in a small village deep within the African forest, there lived an orphan boy. His parents had passed away when he was very young, leaving him with
The ’Nsasak Bird and the Odudu Bird
Long ago, when the world was still fresh with stories, two birds were the closest of friends: the ’Nsasak bird and the Odudu bird. They spent their days flying
Concerning the Fate of Essido and His Evil Companions
Long ago, in the days when kingdoms stood strong and stories carried the weight of truth, there lived a man named Essido. He was no ordinary man, for he
The King and the ’Nsiat Bird
Long ago, in a land of rivers, forests, and timeless songs, there lived a powerful king. Though he commanded warriors, ruled over vast lands, and presided over the affairs
The King and the Juju Tree
Long ago, when kingdoms were still young and stories traveled on the breath of griots, there lived a mighty king whose wealth and power stretched far across the land.
The Elephant and the Tortoise
Long ago, when the earth was still new and the balance between animals was being written through trials, quarrels, and trickery, the elephant and the tortoise were close companions.
Why the Worms Live Underneath the Ground
Long ago, in the reign of King Eyo III, harmony and rivalry walked side by side in the land of men and animals. King Eyo, wise and respected, ruled
Of the Fat Woman Who Melted Away
Long ago, in a quiet village surrounded by rolling fields and tall palm trees, there lived a husband and wife who could not have been more different in appearance.
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