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Illustration of Bemba women pounding corn, pestles hitting low sky, from the Zambian folktale Why the Sky Is So High.

Why the Sky Is So High: A Zambian Folktale

by Ayomide Adekilekun

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, in the heart of Zambia, people believed that the sky hung close to the earth, resting over them like the roof of a vast shelter. It was so low that anyone could raise a hand and brush its surface. In some places, the sky drooped loosely, dangling like the folds of a mosquito net spread over a bed

Parchment-style illustration of Shigosh slipping as daughters attack near a great tree, Ethiopian Gambela folktale scene.

African Folktales·East African Folktales·Ethiopian Folktales

The Song from the Tree: An Ethiopian Folktale from Gambela

Once there was a woman who lived peacefully with her husband and their three daughters. For many years, her household was filled with laughter, warmth, and stability. But one day her husband died, and the rhythm of her life broke apart. The house felt empty, the days seemed endless, and

Sudanese folktale scene of a boy climbing rope ladder toward the Moon’s horns, symbolizing curiosity and respect.

The Horns of the Moon: A Sudanese Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Curiosity and Respect for the Heavens

Long ago, in a quiet village on the open plains of Sudan,

Parchment-style illustration of five Somali sisters abandoned in the bush, meeting shepherd girl with goats at dusk.

Degder and the Five Sisters: A Somali Folktale that Teaches Forgiveness

Long ago, in the wide sun-baked lands of Somalia where acacia trees

Hyena disguised as healer with mother inside hut, daughters waiting anxiously outside, Senegal folktale.

The Fate of De N’Galack and Patte N’Galack’s Mother| A Gambian Folktale

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

Once, in a quiet Gambian village, there lived a woman with her two daughters, De N’Galack and Patte N’Galack. The woman suffered from a painful sore on her foot,

Frog in jug carried to heavens by maidens climbing Spider’s web in Angolan folktale

The Son of Kimanaueze and the Daughter of Sun and Moon: A Kimbundu Folktale

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the land of the Kimbundu people, there lived a man named Kimanaueze who had a son destined for greatness. When this son grew into manhood, his

Two brothers fight Ma-kishi spirits outside a hut, Angolan Kimbundu folktale scene.

The Children of the Widow: An Angolan Folktale of Courage, Vigilance, and Justice

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Once, in a quiet Angolan village, a woman bore her children and raised them with love. Their father passed away too soon, leaving her to guide them through life.

Dog Mbwa with his mother and Eyale in a traditional Equatorial Guinean folktale setting.

Why Dog Lost His Human Speech: A Folktale from Equatorial Guinea

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in the ancient days when humans and animals still lived side by side, speaking the same tongue and marrying among each other, there lived a Dog named

Igwana tricks a leopard cub in an Equatorial Guinean folktale of betrayal, cunning, and survival.

Igwana’s Forked Tongue: An Equatorial Guinean Folktale of Betrayal and Survival

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in a quiet village of Equatorial Guinea, two unlikely friends lived at opposite ends of the settlement, Ngambi the Igwana and Nja the Leopard. Both had large households;

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