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Traditional African stories

Adet dances in the moonlight while Tortoise watches and Prince Ekpenyon spies, Nigerian folktale scene.

The Tortoise with a Pretty Daughter

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in a kingdom where men and beasts lived under the same rule, there was a king whose power stretched across the forests, rivers, and farmlands. His authority was unquestioned, and even the wild animals acknowledged him as their ruler. Yet among all creatures, one stood out for his cleverness, Tortoise. He was known not for strength or size,

Illustration of Gazelle tricking Leopard at plum tree with Frog and Rat, traditional Congo folktale scene.

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

The Leopard Is Outwitted by the Gazelle, the Rat, and the Frog: Congo Folktale

Deep in the forests of the Congo, a powerful Leopard owned a splendid plum tree whose branches hung heavy with ripe fruit. The Leopard prized this tree, for its fruit was sweet, and he trusted a Squirrel who lived among its branches to watch over it. One day, as the