African Folktales

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Sierra Leonean Folktales

Traditional folktales from Sierra Leonean (Sierra Leone), passed down through generations in West African Folktales.

Moon shining brightly among stars while the Sun looks humbled - Sierra Leonean folktale

Why the Moon Shines Brighter Than the Sun at Night

by Elizabeth Fabowale

African Folktales·Sierra Leonean Folktales·West African Folktales

In the earliest days of creation, before the world had settled into its rhythm, Sun and Moon walked the skies together. They were siblings, born of the same divine fire, yet different in their ways. Sun blazed with dazzling heat, filling the world with light so fierce that even the tallest trees bent beneath his strength. Moon, though softer and

Spider weaving its web under the glowing moon - Sierra Leonean Folktales

African Folktales·Sierra Leonean Folktales·West African Folktales

Spider’s Shame Before the Moon

Long ago, in the quiet villages of Sierra Leone, when nights were calm and the stars stretched endlessly across the dark sky, the creatures of the world lived side by side. Among them was Spider, small in size yet great in confidence. No one in the animal kingdom could deny

Fisherman frees a crocodile from a net while hare observes - Sierra Leonean folktale

The Fisherman and the Ungrateful Crocodile

Long ago, in the land of the Mende people, the rivers flowed

Widow under a silk-cotton tree speaking with ancestral spirits -Sierra Leonean folktale style

The Woman Who Spoke with Ghosts

Long ago, in the green valleys where the Mende people built their

Hunter’s clay pot overflowing with endless rice as villagers watch -Sierra Leonean folktale style

The Hunter and the Bottomless Pot

African Folktales·Sierra Leonean Folktales·West African Folktales

In the time when hunters were the pride of every village, there lived a man named Thomas. He was strong and swift, his bow steady, and his traps rarely

Brave child carrying fire branch down a mountain chased by spirits, Sierra Leonean folktale

How the First Fire Came to the People

African Folktales·Sierra Leonean Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, before the time of warmth and light, the world of humans was covered in endless cold and darkness. The nights were long and bitter, and the days

Bat flying at night while animals and birds reject him, Leonean folktale

Why the Bat Flies Only at Night

African Folktales·Sierra Leonean Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when the world was young and all creatures lived together in uneasy peace, there came a great quarrel between the animals of the land and the birds

Villagers restoring and respecting a sacred talking drum, Sierra Leonean folktale

The Drum That Spoke Like a Man

African Folktales·Sierra Leonean Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in a village deep within the green hills of Sierra Leone, there lived a drummer named Kanu. He was the guardian of a sacred drum, a drum

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