African Folktales

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African storytelling traditions

Parchment-style illustration of jackal, dove on a rock, and heron by river, Khoikhoi African folktale scene.

Jackal, Dove, and Heron

by Oyebode Ayoola

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the vast landscapes of Southern Africa, a story unfolded between three very different creatures: Jackal, Dove, and Heron. Each of them carried their own strengths and weaknesses, but their interactions would leave behind lessons, and even a physical reminder of deception, that remain alive in the telling of this tale. One day, Jackal came prowling near a

Parchment-style illustration of Bat fleeing into night sky as animals watch angrily, Nigerian folktale explaining his flight.

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Why the Bat Flies by Night

Long ago, when animals still lived in harmony and often spoke together, there was a great friendship between the Bat and the Squirrel. They were inseparable companions, always seen together in the forest. The Bat, clever and quick-witted, admired the Squirrel’s playful energy, while the Squirrel trusted the Bat’s wisdom

Parchment-style illustration of young woman walking with Skull in disguise, Nigerian folktale with moral warning.

The Disobedient Daughter Married a Skull

Once upon a time, in a quiet Nigerian village surrounded by tall

Parchment-style African folktale illustration showing a lioness and ostrich facing each other in the savannah, highlighting strength and rivalry.

The Lioness and the Ostrich

Long ago, in the open plains of Africa, when animals spoke and

The Slave Girl Who Tried to Kill Her Mistress – OldFolktales.com

The Slave Girl Who Tried to Kill Her Mistress

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales

Long ago, in a small village in Nigeria, there lived a wealthy woman who purchased a young slave girl to serve in her household. The girl, though outwardly obedient,

Parchment-style illustration of ’Nsasak bird in strong house and Odudu bird in rain, Nigerian folktale.

The ’Nsasak Bird and the Odudu Bird

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when the world was still fresh with stories, two birds were the closest of friends: the ’Nsasak bird and the Odudu bird. They spent their days flying

Parchment-style illustration of weary traveler meeting spirit of the World, African folktale teaching life’s lessons.

The World’s Reward

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when the earth was still young and men and animals shared the same spaces, there lived a poor orphan boy. He had no father or mother, no

Parchment-style illustration of sly Jackal tricking angry Lion near cave, African folktale about wit over strength.

The Lion, the Jackal, and the Man

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, when the earth was young and animals still spoke with the same voice as humankind, there lived a mighty Lion. His mane shimmered golden beneath the sun,

Parchment-style illustration of Bat hiding in branches from angry animals, Nigerian folktale explaining his shame.

Why the Bat is Ashamed to Be Seen in the Daytime

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when animals spoke and shared the earth more openly with humans, the Bat lived comfortably among them. In those days, the Bat was not the shy creature

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