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African folktale - Page 6

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

The Clever Little Jackal and the Lion

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

Banyankole elder drumming to bring rain cattle nearby Uganda folklore

African Folktales·Somali Folktales·Ugandan Folktales

The Drum That Summoned Rain

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

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

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

Yumboes stealing meal at night, pale spirits in pangs, Jaloff folklore, African folktale setting

The Yumboes: Spirits of the Jaloff People | An African Folktale

Across the mainland of Africa, opposite the small isle of Gorée, the

Mossi girl at pond faces crocodile as turtledove and animals help, showing cleverness and patience.

The Beautiful Daughter: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Cunning and Patience

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

In a small Mossi village, a woman gave birth to a daughter of extraordinary beauty. So stunning was the child that her mother could not bear to consider marrying

Raogo approaches his mother’s hut while Poko watches, Mossi village scene.

Poko and Raogo: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Justice and Fate

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

In the heart of a Mossi village in Burkina Faso, a woman gave birth to twins, naming them Poko and Raogo. From the start, destiny was cruel: the mother

Orphan girl gathering okra while old woman dances, Mossi folktale scene.

The Orphan Girl: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Humility and Kindness

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

In a small Mossi village of Burkina Faso, a woman had passed away, leaving her young daughter in the care of her husband’s second wife. The stepmother, harsh and

Yam-yende clinging to a basket while her aunt becomes a buffalo, Mossi folktale scene.

Yam-yende Outsmarts Her Aunt: A Mossi Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Cleverness and Wisdom

African Folktales·Burkinabe Folktales·West African Folktales

In a bustling Mossi village of Burkina Faso, a group of children awaited a visit from their aunt. When she arrived, they were overjoyed, but little did they know

Parchment-style illustration of African monkey playing magical drum on moon, origin of rhythm and music.

The Moon’s Gift to Humanity

African Folktales·Guinea-Bissauan Folktales·West African Folktales

In the time when the world was young and magic flowed like rivers through the land, there lived a troop of spot-nosed monkeys in the heart of Africa. These

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.