African Folktales

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Traditional African storytelling

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

The Lion and the Jackal

by Oyebode Ayoola

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

In the wild and open plains of South Africa, where the sun burned fiercely during the day and the nights were alive with the sounds of animals, there lived two unlikely companions: the Lion and the Jackal. The Lion was mighty, feared by all creatures. His roar echoed across the grasslands, and his strength made him king of the beasts.

Parchment-style illustration of Lion pulling Jackal from eland carcass, African folktale with sly trickery and savannah setting.

African Folktales·South African Folktales·Southern African Folktales

The Hunt of Lion and Jackal

Long ago, when the great animals still roamed the plains in friendship and rivalry, the Lion and the Jackal once set out together to hunt an eland, the mighty antelope that was the prize of the savanna. The sun hung high above the grasslands, and the air shimmered with heat

Parchment-style illustration of Rabbit trapped by Tortoise during drought, Southern African folktale scene, earthy warm tones.

The Dance for Water or Rabbit’s Triumph

Long ago, during a time of terrible drought, the earth grew dry

Parchment-style West African folktale illustration showing Crocodile plotting treachery while Lion, Jackal, and Elephant observe near the riverbank.

Crocodile’s Treason

Long ago, when animals still spoke and lived much like humans, Crocodile

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

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

A West African hunter freeing animals from a hole, with Snake offering medicine.

The Power of the Temper

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales

Long ago in a small coastal village, there lived a wealthy woman who had everything except the one thing she desired most a child. Her temper often got the

Parchment-style illustration of lightning and thunder in the sky, African folktale scene with storm clouds and fire.

The Story of Lightning and Thunder

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in the days when the earth was still fresh and the animals and spirits lived closer to humankind, there were two powerful beings who walked among the

Ananse discovering a glowing magical pot of wisdom in a dry, barren forest -African folktales

Kwaku Ananse and the Pot of Wisdom An Ashanti Folktale

African Folktales·Ghanaian Folktales·West African Folktales

There was once a time when famine swept across the land. The rains had failed, leaving the soil cracked and dry, and soon after, clouds of locusts descended, devouring

Jackal tricks Lion at a wedding feast while Hyena wears a cowhide dress, African folktale from the Khoikhoi tradition

Jackal’s Bride: A Traditional African Folktale of Trickery and Consequence

African Folktales·South African Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when animals lived and spoke as people do, there was a cunning creature named Jackal. He was small in size but clever beyond measure, and his tricks

A man builds a cattle kraal while another flees burned toward the hills, origin of Hottentots and Bushmen.

Origin of the Difference in Modes of Life Between Hottentots and Bushmen

African Folktales·South African Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, in the first days of the world, when people were still learning how to live upon the earth, there were two men. They were unlike in their

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