African Folktales

African Folktales

Africa is a continent which gave birth to many ancient civilizations. Storytelling is a very important part of the culture for the ancient tribes of Africa and they have stories galore!

Africa is a big- big land mass with all kinds of terrains – they have deserts with huge sand dunes beside the sea, they have evergreen forests, volcanoes, big rivers, waterfalls, mountains, hills, fertile lands and meadows. Many ancient tribes have worshiped this land as it gave them everything they needed. Africa was also called the ‘Motherland’, as the land took care of its children in the same way mothers take care of their little ones!

Coming Soon – Anansi Stories & Tribal Narratives!

Tribes of Africa

Anansi Stories

Anansi is the spirit of all knowledge of stories in the Akan Folklore. He is one of the most important folktale characters of West African, African American and Caribbean folklore.

Among the countless stories attached to Anansi, the most popular story explains how he became known as the owner of all stories in the world. It has been studied and republished many times, including as children’s books. The Caldecott Medal-winning “A Story a Story” by Gail E. Haley is an exceptional work on Akan folktales.

This award winning book follows Akan oral tradition by beginning the tale with: “We do not really mean, we do not really mean that what we are about to say is true. A story, a story; let it come, let it go,”. Haley’s story later continues it by concluding: “This is my story which I have related. If it be sweet, or if it be not sweet, take some elsewhere, and let some come back to me“. This declaration shows the essence of the storytelling tradition in Africa.

Tribal dance

Tribal Narratives

Africa is dotted with people from various tribes. Their stories are all unique & interesting.

*Stories have been adapted to suit the tastes of young readers.