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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

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

Long ago, deep within the dark forests of Zambia, there lived a

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

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

One scorching afternoon, a fire swept across the savanna, reaching the den of the lion’s cubs. The lion, furious and determined, promised a buffalo to whoever could identify the

Illustration of Hare tricking sparrows into a gourd in a Gambian folktale of wit and restraint.

The Cunning Hare and the Sparrows| A Gambian Folktale of Wit and Restraint

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when animals still sought wisdom directly from the Creator, Hare, known across the land for his cunning tricks, grew restless. Though already clever, he desired to be

Illustration of a wolf chased by Abdou Dhiabare as a fly in a Gambian folktale.

The Wolf and Abdou Dhiabare|A Gambian Folktale of Death and Deception

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

In a quiet stretch of wilderness, an ox had died, and its carcass had begun to rot under the heat of the sun. The smell of decay drifted across

Hare tricks hyena during sacrifice at dawn, Mossi folktale scene with goat, chickens, and mountain backdrop.

The Hare and the Hyena: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Gluttony and Self-Control

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

One day, the hare’s child fell gravely ill. Desperate to save him, the hare went to consult a diviner, a wise man trusted by the Mossi people to reveal

Illustration of the boastful man carrying the talking head in a Gambian folktale.

The Head | A Gambian Folktale

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in a Gambian village, there lived a man known for his arrogance. He adorned himself with weapons and strode about with pride, boasting endlessly of his courage

Hare carries Dog in a basket across Hyena’s field in this Mossi folktale from Burkina Faso.

The Friendship Between Hare and Dog: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Loyalty and False Companionship

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

Mba-Soamba, the hare, and Mba-Baga, the dog, were once the closest of friends. Their bond was deep, their laughter constant, and their companionship steady. Yet beneath this friendship, Hare carried

Hare dancing in trousers releasing ashes, outsmarting Elephant and Buffalo in Mossi folktale.

Hare and the Bull: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Trickery and Cleverness

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

One day, the animals of the wilderness received a generous gift: a fine bull. It was agreed that the bull should not belong to just one creature without effort, so

Hare’s glowing eyes frighten Jackal in the Angolan bush, traditional African folktale scene of wit and fear.

Jackal and Hare: An Angolan Folktale that Teaches Lessons on Greed, Pride, and Deceit

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the heart of Angola, where the bush stretches wide with tall grasses swaying in the wind and the shadows of acacia trees paint the earth, there lived two

Hare traps Leopard in a basket with wit and courage in this classic Angolan folktale.

The Hare and the Leopard | An Angolan Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Hare plaited a long, sturdy basket and said to himself, “I will go to bind squashes in the field.” With determination, he set off along the dusty road that

Fenda Maria reveals her hidden glory in church with treasures and music, from a traditional Angolan folktale.

The Story of Fenda Maria and Nga Nzua: Traditional Folktale of the Kimbundu People, Angola

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

I often tell the story of Nga Nzua, son of Kinoueza kia Tumb’a Ndala. When his father died, and soon after his mother too, he was left with only

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