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African wisdom tales - Page 2

A tall scarecrow standing in a village farm at dusk while villagers watch from a distance – African Folktale

The Scarecrow: An African Folktale of Wisdom and Consequence

by Elizabeth Fabowale

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in a quiet African village surrounded by golden fields of maize, there lived a farmer who was both clever and hardworking. His land was wide, his crops always tall and healthy, and his barns were filled with grain at harvest. Yet, in his heart, the farmer carried a weakness. Though he had plenty, he always wanted more. When

a proud man walking away while a lion, a snake, and a tree watch him with sadness in a traditional West African village scene – Wolof folktale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

The Ungrateful Man

Long ago in the land of the Wolof people of Senegal, there lived a poor hunter who spent most of his days roaming the forest. His bow was worn and his clothes were patched, yet he never lost hope that one day fortune would smile on him. One hot afternoon,

A greedy hunter in a Gabonese forest setting too many traps, with a leopard caught and ready to attack - Gabonese folktale

The Greedy Hunter

Long ago, in the deep green forests of Gabon, where the tall

A lion roaring into a forest well at his reflection while a hare watches cleverly and a hyena stands nearby – Guinean folktale

The Fall of the Lion and the Rise of the Hare

In the vast forests of Guinea, where the rustling trees whispered secrets

Elephant racing with a chameleon hidden on its tail - Ivorian folktale

The Elephant and the Chameleon

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

Among the Senufo people of Côte d’Ivoire there is a tale that has been told for generations to remind both children and elders that wisdom does not always walk

A proud hyena trapped in a forest net while a calm tortoise stands nearby with a basket of food - Ivorian folktale

The Hyena and the Tortoise

African Folktales·Ivorian Folktales·West African Folktales

In the villages of the Baoulé people there is an old story told beside the fire at night. It is the tale of the proud hyena and the humble

A Guinean hunter aiming his spear at a giant charging buffalo in the forest clearing – Guinean folktale

The Hunter and the Buffalo

African Folktales·Guinean Folktales·West African Folktales

In the deep forests of Guinea, where tall trees rise like watchful guardians and the rivers murmur ancient secrets, there lived a renowned hunter. His fame stretched across many

Turtle at ant-hill, burnt Partridge nearby, Angolan folktale bushfire scene.

Partridge And Turtle: An Angolan Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Pride and Wisdom

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the grasslands of Angola, where the tall dry reeds swayed like restless dancers and the red earth cracked beneath the sun, two creatures lived side by

Squirrel loses throne to Lion after Mole discovers water in Angolan folktale teaching wisdom and self-control.

How the Squirrel Lost the Throne: An Angolan Folktale that Teaches Lessons on Wisdom and Self-Control

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the lands of the Kimbundu people of Angola, the animals gathered to choose a ruler. The forest was alive with chatter as they spoke of leadership, justice,

Tortoise and Deer racing on an African plain while animals cheer near a baobab tree - Benga folktale

Tortoise in a Race

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, on the sunlit shores of Corisco Island, the animals of the Benga people gathered for a contest. They had often argued about who among them was the

Four Angolan sisters named Uoua, youngest holding preserved rats, in a Kimbundu folktale scene.

The Four Uouas: An Angolan Folktale on Wisdom, Marriage, and Fairness

African Folktales·Angolan Folktales·Southern African Folktales

Long ago, in the household of Na Kimanaueze kia Tumb’a Ndala, a respected man loved by many, four daughters were born to one mother. There were no sons in

A leopard challenging a ram in a Benga folktale from Equatorial Guinea.

The Leopard and the Ram

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

In the deep forests of Equatorial Guinea, where tall trees brushed the sky and rivers wound like silver snakes, lived a leopard who was feared by all the animals.

A tortoise standing calmly as a thundercloud roars above the forest - Gabonese folktale

The Thunder and the Tortoise

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales·Mpongwe Folktales

Long ago, in the days when the earth was still new, the sky spoke often to the land. Among the voices of the sky, none was more feared than

A crab at the riverbank moving toward the water while a leopard watches from the forest - Gabonese folktale

Why the Crab Lives in the Water

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Gabonese Folktales·Mpongwe Folktales

Long ago, when the earth was young and animals lived together in villages like people, there was a time of constant quarrels. Each animal wanted to prove its strength,

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