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 9-12
The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles: The Omanhene is the chief of a village. A certain Omanhene had three sons, who were very anxious to see the world. They went to
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Leopard And The Ram
The Leopard And The Ram: A ram once decided to make a clearing in the woods and build himself a house. A leopard who lived near also made up his mind to do the
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Hunter And The Tortoise
The Hunter And The Tortoise: A village hunter had one day gone farther afield than usual. Coming to a part of the forest with which he was unacquainted, he was
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Grinding-Stone That Ground Flour By Itself
A poor brother borrows a magic mill — and that is why, to this very day, the sea tastes of salt.
African Folk Tales
All Ages
Ohia And The Thieving Deer
Ohia And The Thieving Deer: There once lived upon the earth a poor man called Ohia, whose wife was named Awirehu. This unfortunate couple had suffered one
African Folk Tales
All Ages
Quarcoo Bah-Boni
Quarcoo Bah-Boni: Once upon a time in a certain village lived a man and his wife who were childless. One day, however, when the husband was away hunting, the
African Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Maku Mawu And Maku Fia
Maku Mawu And Maku Fia: I will die God’s death’ and ‘I will die the King’s death’ Once upon a time there were two men who were such great friends that they
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
King Chameleon And The Animals
An African folk tale about how the animals once chose a king by race — and why a clever little chameleon beat the swift hare to the stool of power.
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
Kwofi And The Gods
Kwofi And The Gods: Kwofi was the eldest son of a farmer who had two wives. Kwofi’s mother had no other children. When the boy was three years old his mother
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
How We Got The Name ‘Spider Tales’
Anansi the spider climbs to the Sky God to buy the world's stories — and almost every folk tale in Africa now wears his name.
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
How Wisdom Became The Property Of The Human Race
How Wisdom Became The Property Of The Human Race. Long ago, wisdom belonged only to a few. Learn how one person changed everything by sharing knowledge.
African Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
How The Tortoise Got Its Shell
How The Tortoise Got Its Shell: A few hundred years ago, the chief Mauri (God) determined to have a splendid yam festival. He therefore sent his messengers to