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Parchment-style African folktale illustration showing clever Jackal outwitting mighty Lion on a rocky cliff.

The Clever Little Jackal and the Lion

by Oyebode Ayoola

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when animals lived, spoke, and hunted much like people, there was a little Jackal who was as sharp-witted as he was quick on his feet. One day, while roaming the bush in search of food, Jackal crossed paths with the mighty Lion. Lion, proud and strong, suggested they join forces for the day’s hunt. “Let us make an

Illustration of Monkey and Hare in Gambian folktale, showing their playful contest of pride and trickery.

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

The Monkey and the Hare | A Classic Gambian Folktale of Pride and Trickery

One bright morning in a Gambian village clearing, Monkey boasted loudly before Hare and all who would listen. With a confident grin, he slapped his chest and declared, “From sunrise to sunset, I can go without scratching myself, no matter what!” His words carried the weight of a challenge, a

Banyankole elder drumming to bring rain cattle nearby Uganda folklore

The Drum That Summoned Rain

The Drum That Summoned Rain — A traditional Banyankole Folktales from Uganda

Painting of a West African woman holding a baby as she confronts a glowing spirit woman in a forest, surrounded by ethereal beings scene from a coastal folktale.

The Fishwife and the Changeling

Along the shores of the great African waters, where the mighty waves

Parchment-style illustration of African hare tied to logs, about to be thrown in fire.

I Was Born in the Fire

African Folktales·Guinea-Bissauan Folktales

In the vast expanse of the African savanna, where the red earth stretched endlessly beneath a sky painted in eternal blue, there lived a hyena whose industrious nature was

Parchment-style illustration of Mbaka's wife stealing the magic ring; West African folktale of betrayal.

Mbaka and the Magic Ring

African Folktales·Cameroonian Folktales

In a village where the morning sun painted the earth in shades of gold and amber, there lived a man and his wife who found their greatest joy in

Udea and Her Seven Brothers

African Folktales·Libyan Folktales·North African Folktales

In a land where the desert winds carried both blessings and curses, there lived a man and his wife who had been blessed with seven strong sons. The family

Kakpo kneels before Loko tree, dust on forehead, villagers vanished, Dahomean folktale.

Kakpo and the Promise to Loko: A Vodun Tale from Tendjñ

African Folktales·Beninese Folktales·Dahomean (Fon) Folktales·West African Folktales

In the early days, the tree called Loko was like any other in the forests of Tendjñ. Its branches stretched high, and its leaves whispered secrets with the wind.

Parchment-style illustration of lion looking at the sky without wings, animals watching, African folktale origin.

When Lion Could Fly

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the days when the world was still young and full of wonders, the animals lived in great fear of one among them: Lion. But this was

Parchment-style illustration of a pretty girl tricked into a pit by seven jealous women in an African folktale.

Of the Pretty Girl and the Seven Jealous Women

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In a quiet village, long ago, there lived a young girl whose beauty was known throughout the land. She was not only fair in appearance, but kind in heart,

Maku Mawu finding the ring inside a fish in an African folktale.

Maku Mawu and Maku Fia – An African Folktale of Fate and Justice

African Folktales·Ghanaian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in a village in Africa, there lived two men who were the closest of friends. They were inseparable, always seen together whether in the fields, at the

A lion confronting a wolf in an African folktale scene.

The Lion and the Wolf – An African Folktale of Justice

African Folktales·Ghanaian Folktales·West African Folktales

Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there lived an old woman who owned a fine flock of sheep. She cared for them with great patience, feeding them

a jackal howling as burning fat scorches his back leaving a black stripe – western African folktale

Why Has Jackal a Long Black Stripe on His Back

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the early days, when the world was still young and the animals often gathered together, the plains were filled with laughter, song, and the crackle of shared fires.

A lion disguised as a woman sitting among villagers, with an old wise woman pointing in suspicion, Western African folktale.

The Lion Who Took a Woman’s Shape

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

The sun rose over the African plains, its light spilling across the village as people carried out their morning tasks. Smoke curled from cooking fires, children played in the

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