African Folktales

Browse Tag

oral tradition - Page 3

A clever tortoise carrying a huge pile of yams on his back as his shell begins to crack, while birds and forest animals scatter in surprise – Igbo folktales

How the Tortoise Broke His Shell

by Elizabeth Fabowale

Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Come closer, for this tale is older than the hills, older than the tallest trees in the forest. Long ago, in a lush village beside the great river, there lived a tortoise whose cunning and greed were known far and wide. His shell shone like polished ebony, smooth and strong, and all the animals admired him for his cleverness and

Eshu wearing a two colored hat walks between villagers arguing in a Yoruba village setting – Yoruba folktales

Inspired Tales·West African inspired tales

How Eshu Tested the Village

Long ago, before men knew all the ways of the gods, Eshu the divine trickster walked the earth. He loved to test people, for through trials he revealed their true hearts. Among the Orishas, Eshu was known as the one who brought confusion but also wisdom, for his games taught

A fisherman kneels before Oshun, the golden river goddess glowing on a tropical riverbank – Yoruba folktales

The Fisherman and the River Goddess Oshun

Once upon a time, when rivers still spoke and spirits walked among

Tortoise sneaks food at a grand feast in a Yoruba palace setting, with villagers watching in a parchment-style aged storybook look – Yoruba folktales

The Trickster Tortoise and the King’s Feast

In the days when the talking drum carried news faster than the

The Spirit of the Aurès Mountains

Algerian Folktales·North African Folktales

In the rugged heart of eastern Algeria rise the Aurès Mountains, home to the Chaoui people. The ridges are sharp, the valleys deep, and the wind carries voices that

The Camel That Carried the Moon

North African Folktales

In the vast Sahara Desert, where dunes rise and fall like waves upon a golden ocean, the Tuareg people gather at night around glowing fires. The elders, with faces

The Singing Stones of Kabylie

North African Folktales

Long ago, before the towns of Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia stretched wide with houses and roads, the Kabylie Mountains stood tall and proud, clothed in pine, olive, and almond

Go toTop