Zambian folklore

Illustration of elephant king, hare councillor, and lizard’s deceit in a traditional Bemba folktale from Zambia.

Suspicion Spreads: The Elephant, the Hare, and the Rise of Distrust | Bemba Folklore

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Long ago, when the world was still young and only animals roamed the earth, the elephant ruled as king over all creatures. By his side was his trusted councillor, the hare, who was admired for his cleverness and wit. Yet though he was the king, the elephant was thin and frail, while his councillor, the hare, was plump and well-fed.

Tiny bird outsmarts a lion in Bemba folktale from Zambia, animals watch in forest.

African Folktales·Southern African Folktales·Zambian Folktales

Tiny Titi’s Clever Trick: A Folktale of Courage and Wit | From Bemba, Zambia

It was a terrible day in the forest, especially for the animals that lived only on grass and leaves. The lion, the fiercest hunter of all, had killed many of their friends, and fear spread through every corner of the land. The gentle creatures gathered together, restless and anxious, searching

Illustration of animals receiving horns while zebra grazes, from a traditional Bemba folktale in Zambia.

Why the Zebra Remained Hornless: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

Long ago, when animals still gathered in great councils and spoke to

Suspicion Spreads: The Elephant, the Hare, and the Rise of Distrust | Bemba Folklore

Tiny Titi’s Clever Trick: A Folktale of Courage and Wit | From Bemba, Zambia

Why the Zebra Remained Hornless: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia

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