African Folk Tales
Explore our collection of 67 African folk tales — stories from the world’s most diverse continent. African folklore encompasses thousands of distinct storytelling traditions, from the Anansi spider tales of West Africa to the trickster stories of Southern Africa.
Our collection features tales of Anansi the Spider, clever hares, wise elephants, brave warriors, and ancestral spirits. African folk tales are characterized by their rhythmic storytelling, audience participation traditions, and deep connection to the natural world. These stories served as the primary vehicle for preserving history, teaching values, and building community across Africa’s diverse cultures.
Each tale is retold with cultural respect and vivid illustration, making this collection ideal for exploring African culture, world folklore, and multicultural storytelling traditions. Perfect for children, educators, and anyone interested in the rich narrative heritage of Africa.
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked
An Akan pourquoi tale from West African Folk-Tales (Barker & Sinclair, 1917): a hunter and a leopard become friends, and a feigned death tests whether the friendship is true — explaining why the great cats leave men in peace unless provoked.
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Why The Moon And The Stars Receive Their Light From The Sun
Why The Moon And The Stars Receive Their Light From The Sun: Once upon a time there was great scarcity of food in the land. Father Anansi and his son, Kweku
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Why Spiders Are Always Found In The Corners Of Ceilings
Why Spiders Are Always Found In The Corners Of Ceilings: Egya Anansi was a very skilful farmer. He, with his wife and son, set to work one year to prepare a
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Why The Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up And Down
Why The Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up And Down: In a town not very far from Anansi’s home lived a great king. This king had three beautiful daughters
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Tit For Tat
Tit For Tat: There had been a great famine in the land for many months. Meat had become so scarce that only the rich chiefs had money enough to buy it. A
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Thunder And Anansi
Thunder And Anansi: There had been a long and severe famine in the land where Anansi lived. He had been quite unable to obtain food for his poor wife and
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Ungrateful Man
The Ungrateful Man: A hunter, who was terribly poor, was one day walking through the forest in search of food. Coming to a deep hole, he found there a leopard
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
Thing To Do
A young person learns that the most important accomplishments are the small, caring things we do.
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Squirrel And The Spider
A fast squirrel and a patient spider discover that every creature has special and valuable talents.
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Tail Of The Princess Elephant
The Tail Of The Princess Elephant: There once lived a woman who had three sons. These sons were very much attached to their mother and always tried to please
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Robber And The Old Man
The Robber And The Old Man: In a big town lived a very rich gentleman. The fame of his wealth soon spread. A clever thief heard of it and determined to have
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Lion And The Wolf
The Lion And The Wolf: A certain old lady had a very fine flock of sheep. She had fed and cared for them so well that they became famous for their fatness. The