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West African folklore - Page 2

Tortoise caught stealing from his father-in-law’s farm, tied to a tree, with villagers watching – West African folktale

How Tortoise Won by Losing – A Nigerian Folktale

by Elizabeth Fabowale

African Folktales·Nigerian Folktales·West African Folktales

Tortoise and his wife lived in a small hut at the edge of the village. Times were hard, and their storehouse was empty. Not a yam, not a grain of corn, not even a dried pepper remained to cook. Hunger gnawed at them day and night until Tortoise decided to swallow his pride and visit his father-in-law. The old man

a proud leopard with faded paint, bent feathers, and scattered beads – Benga folktale

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

The Leopard’s Quest for Marriage

Long ago, when animals lived as people and spoke with voices full of pride, Leopard was the fiercest hunter in the forest. His golden coat was marked with black rosettes that glimmered whenever sunlight touched his back, and his roar echoed through valleys like distant thunder. Every animal feared him,

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

Tortoise in a Race

Long ago, on the sunlit shores of Corisco Island, the animals of

Parchment-style illustration of Senegalese hare and hyena in savannah adventures, clever and greedy.

Seven Animal Folktales from Senegal that Teaches Lessons on Greed and Carelessness

Long ago, in the sun-baked savannahs and bustling villages of Senegal, the

illustration of a greedy man watching magical treasures vanish, Beninese folktale scene.

The Greedy Man and the Magical Gift

Beninese Folktales·West African Folktales

In a small village in Benin, there lived a man known for his endless desire for more. He was never satisfied with what he had. Even when his neighbors

illustration of a man running through a forest at night, Beninese folktale scene.

The Man Who Tried to Escape Death

Beninese Folktales·West African Folktales

In a small village in the lands of Benin, there lived a man known for his cleverness and bold spirit. He was strong, quick of foot, and confident that

illustration of a hidden spirit observing villagers in Benin marketplace, West African folktale scene.

The Hidden Spirit in the Village

Beninese Folktales·West African Folktales

In a quiet village in the land now known as Benin, life moved with a steady and familiar rhythm. At dawn, farmers walked to their fields with hoes resting

Goat charging at Tortoise during a tournament as animals watch under a baobab tree - Benga folktale

The Goat’s Grand Tournament

African Folktales·Central African Folktales·Equatorial Guinean Folktales

Long ago, in the villages of the Benga people on Corisco Island, the animals often quarreled about strength and honor. Among them, none was more boastful than Goat. With

Parchment-style illustration of Tortoise hiding fire in shell with Chameleon, Beninese folktale origin.

Stealing Fire from the Creator: The Wisdom of Chameleon and Tortoise in Beninese Folklore

African Folktales·Beninese Folktales·Dahomean (Fon) Folktales·West African Folktales

In the beginning of time, when Mawu, the great Creator, shaped the heavens and the earth, there was no fire among mortals. The world was dark, cold, and damp.

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