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Wolof folktales

A young Wolof girl kneels beside the Senegal River at sunset, listening to a glowing spiral shell as the water shimmers around her

The Shell That Carried the Voice of Ancestors

by Elizabeth Fabowale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales

Long ago, when the tides still obeyed the songs of the ancestors, there was a small Wolof village by the edge of the Senegal River. The people there lived by the rhythm of water fishing, trading, and offering thanks to the spirits who guarded the flow between land and sea. Every evening, as the sun rested on the horizon, the

a proud man walking away while a lion, a snake, and a tree watch him with sadness in a traditional West African village scene – Wolof folktale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

The Ungrateful Man

Long ago in the land of the Wolof people of Senegal, there lived a poor hunter who spent most of his days roaming the forest. His bow was worn and his clothes were patched, yet he never lost hope that one day fortune would smile on him. One hot afternoon,

a Wolof weaver by the river weaving a glowing dream-filled cloth at sunrise while children watch

The Weaver Who Wove Dreams

In a quiet village near the banks of the Senegal River lived

Hare and Hyena with wells – Wolof folktale

The Clever Hare and the Deep Well – Wolof Folktale

In a sunlit Wolof village along the banks of a winding river

Illustration of a wolf chased by Abdou Dhiabare as a fly in a Gambian folktale.

The Wolf and Abdou Dhiabare|A Gambian Folktale of Death and Deception

African Folktales·Gambian Folktales·West African Folktales

In a quiet stretch of wilderness, an ox had died, and its carcass had begun to rot under the heat of the sun. The smell of decay drifted across

Hare and Hyena with drums – Wolof folktale

The Clever Hare and the Fine Drum – Wolof Folktale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In a lively Wolof village along the shimmering rivers of Senegal, preparations were underway for a grand feast. Villagers polished bowls, arranged food, and strung decorations across the clearing.

Hare and Hyena with fences – Wolof folktale

The Clever Hare and the Strong Fence – Wolof Folktale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In a quiet Wolof village along the winding riverbanks of Senegal, the morning sun stretched across golden fields. Birds chirped and the soft murmur of the river accompanied the

Hare and Hyena with pestles – Wolof folktale

The Clever Hare and the Snapped Pestle – Wolof Folktale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In a quiet Wolof village nestled along the sparkling riverbanks of Senegal, the morning sun bathed the tall grasses and palm trees in warm gold. The village stirred to

Hare and Hyena with mortars – Wolof folktale

The Clever Hare and the Broken Mortar – Wolof Folktale

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In a peaceful Wolof village along the winding rivers of Senegal, the morning sun spilled golden light over palm trees and tall grasses. Villagers began their day, carrying baskets

Hare and hyena by river with calabashes – Wolof folktale

The Clever Hare and the Calabash Challenge

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In a small Wolof village nestled among the rolling fields and whispering baobab trees, the sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting golden light across the dusty paths. Birds

The Hyena and the Hare with the Door

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In a quiet Wolof village, two neighbors, the cunning hare and the stubborn hyena, decided to build new doors for their homes. Each wanted to show who could make

Fatou the midwife holding a newborn in a glowing palace -Wolof folktale.

The Midwife of Dakar: A Wolof Folktale from Senegal

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

Everyone in Dakar knew old Fatou. She was the midwife of the town, the one whose hands had welcomed countless babies into the world. Women trusted her skill, and

Samba Atta Dabo curing a bewitched girl while a shadowy sorcerer fades away – Wolof folktale from Senegal

The Bewitched Girl of Thievaly: A Wolof Folktale from Senegal

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

I am Samba Atta Dabo, and I am known as the one who cures those who have been struck down by sorcery. When sorcerers try to harm the innocent,

Hamadou receiving a glowing silver ring from a mystical figure – Wolof folktale from Senegal.

Hamadou and the Jinn: A Wolof Folktale from Senegal

African Folktales·Senegalese Folktales·West African Folktales·Wolof Folktales

In the land of Oualo, long ago, there lived a young man named Hamadou. He had a restless heart and a deep desire to learn, so he left his

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