African Folktales

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Congo folktales

Illustration of Driver-ant and Small-ant in a Congolese folktale, showing patience triumphing over pride and strength.

The Driver-Ant and the Small-Ant: A Folktale from Congo

by Ayomide Adekilekun

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

Long ago, deep in the heart of the Congo, two ants of very different natures began an argument that would leave the forest creatures a timeless lesson. One was the mighty Driver-ant, large, fierce, and feared by many. The other was the Small-ant, modest in size, quiet in manner, but confident in a hidden strength. Their dispute was not over

Yakob rescued by Water-fairies in a Congolese folktale about forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

The Water-Fairies Who Saved Yakob: A Congolese Folktale

Pedro was a well-known trader in birds, traveling across long distances to buy and sell them in distant markets. Whatever birds remained unsold, he carried home, keeping them until the next market day. At home, Pedro lived with his wife and six children, five daughters and a son named Yakob.

Illustration of Tortoise and Gazelle in a Bakongo folktale from Congo, showing deceit and justice in action.

The Punishment of the Deceitful Tortoise : A Bakongo Folktale

One day, the cunning Tortoise set a trap, hoping to secure food

Civet, Tortoise, and Monkey at a crossroads in a Congolese folktale about friendship and reconciliation

How the Civet and the Tortoise Lost and Regained Their Friendship : A Congolese Folktale

Once upon a time, in the villages of Congo, there lived two

Illustration of Frog confronting Hawk in Bakongo folktale from Congo, reclaiming his debt through wit and persistence.

The Frog and the Hawk: A Debt Repaid | A Bakongo Folktale, DR Congo.

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

Long ago, the Hawk lived high above in sky-land, soaring freely through the clouds, while the Frog dwelled humbly upon the earth among rivers and swamps. One day, the

Leopard stuck to wooden Nkondi fetish in Congolese folktale with Gazelle nearby.

The Leopard and the Nkondi: A Wooden Fetish | A Congolese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

In the distant past, when the world was young and the forests of the Congo echoed with the voices of animals, the Leopard and the Gazelle were neighbours. Both

Partridge’s eggs guarded by python, saved by ants in Congolese folktale.

How the Ants Rescued the Partridge’s Eggs : A Congolese Folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Congolese (DRC) Folktales

Once upon a time, deep within the lush forests of the Congo, a Partridge carefully laid her eggs in a hidden nest. She nestled them tenderly, protecting them with

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