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A boastful frog on a riverbank in Gabon, challenging a sparrow in the air and fish in the river - Gabonese folktale

The Boastful Frog

by Elizabeth Fabowale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales·Mpongwe Folktales

In the lush forests and rivers of Gabon, where the air echoed with the songs of birds and the rush of flowing waters, there lived a frog who thought himself the greatest of all creatures. His skin glistened green in the sunlight, and his strong legs gave him the power to leap across streams and through tall grasses. Because of

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

Tortoise hiding in his shell while Leopard looks frustrated - Gabonese folktale

The Tortoise and the Leopard

Deep in the forests of Gabon, where tall trees reached toward the

Hare watches lion confront hyena in scorched savanna; Mossi folktale scene with earthy storybook colors.

The Hare and the Lion: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Deception and Justice

One scorching afternoon, a fire swept across the savanna, reaching the den

A potter in ancient Carthage shaping clay with the help of a glowing wind spirit.

The Potter and the Wind of Carthage

African Folktales·North African Folktales·Tunisian Folktales

In the ancient city of Carthage, where the sea met the desert winds, there lived a humble potter named Ammar. His home stood near the ruins of old temples,

Young girl strikes a magical spirit drum in Sudanese folktale, spirits appear with gifts, sister watches jealously

The Girl and the Spirit Drum: A Sudanese Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Greed and Gratitude

African Folktales·East African Folktales·South Sudanese Folktales

A long time ago, in a village resting at the edge of a wide and whispering forest, there lived two sisters whose lives could not have been more different. The

Illustration of a Leopard judging two men over a stolen goat, Sudanese Dinka folktale origin.

Leopard and the Stolen Goat: A Sudanese Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Truth and Justice

African Folktales·East African Folktales·South Sudanese Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of the savanna, a quarrel erupted between two men. They lived in the same village, and though they were neighbors, jealousy often burned between them.

Poor man honors golden tree, greedy neighbor strikes with axe, Sudanese folktale scene in parchment-style illustration.

The Talking Tree: A Sudanese Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Greed and Gratitude

African Folktales·East African Folktales·South Sudanese Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of the forest, a poor man wandered in search of firewood. His clothes were tattered, his hands rough from labor, and his eyes carried

Hyena seizing prey, Hare before animals, Sudanese folktale scene, parchment-style with earthy tones.

The Hyena and the Hare: A Sudanese Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Greed and Justice

African Folktales·East African Folktales·South Sudanese Folktales

Once, in the land of the Nuba people, a Hyena and a Hare went hunting together. The Hyena was large, muscular, and feared by most animals, while the Hare

Illustration of Small-ants carrying human skin scrap, Congo folktale explaining why ants live in houses.

Why the Small-Ants Live in Houses: Congo Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

In the heart of the Congo, there are countless species of ants, yet two in particular stand out in the daily lives of the people: the Small-ants and the

Illustration of Jackal howling at the Moon holding his stolen golden spear in a traditional Zambian folktale scene.

Why the Jackal Howls at the Moon: A Folktale from Zambia

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, deep within the dark forests of Zambia, there lived a mighty Jackal. He was no ordinary creature, large, strong, and feared by every animal around him. At

Two wax maidens resting beneath a tree in a Zambian folktale, admired by a young farmer.

The Wax-Maidens: A Zambian Folktale of Beauty and Fragility

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

In a quiet Zambian village, deep within the forest, lived the wife of a hunter who possessed a rare and gifted hand. With clay, tree gum, and beeswax, she

Milika at the shrine, children emerging from monkey fruit, traditional Zambian folktale illustration.

Milika’s Children: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Chanda married Milika because she was not only beautiful but also wise and modest. For five years, they lived in harmony and happiness, but sorrow slowly crept into their

Chipila fills the fourth gourd of cowries as a ghostly ancestor spirit appears in this Zambian Bemba folktale.

The Fourth Gourd of Cowrie: A Zambian Folktale

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Chipila and Zongwe were more than just neighbours; they were brothers in spirit. Their huts stood side by side, their farms shared a boundary, and their lives intertwined through

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