Folktales From Africa
Read african fairy tales and folktales free online. From the Pustaka free library of 10,000+ fairy tales.
60 stories found
31\. THE ORIGIN OF DEATH
The actions of a messenger can have profound and irreversible consequences for all of humanity.
A CREDIT BALANCE
Even an unwitting act of inspiration can create a profound debt of gratitude, leading to unexpected ...
A LION IN THE WAY\
A SHANGANI TALE
Cunning and loyalty can overcome social barriers and powerful enemies, leading to a prosperous life.
A SWAZI TALE
Even those who are despised and overlooked may possess hidden wisdom and courage that can lead to gr...
A ZULU NURSERY TALE
Even the smallest among us can achieve great things when guided by wisdom and courage.
A ZULU TALE
With hard work, kindness, and a bit of magic, even the most unfortunate can find happiness and prosp...
A ’MSUTO STORY
Loyalty and perseverance are rewarded, while negligence leads to severe consequences.
AFRICAN FABLES
Beware of those whose nature is to harm you, and do not let haste or greed override good judgment.
AFRICANS
AN OLD-WORLD SCRUPLE
True faith and moral conviction often stand apart from institutional or societal pressures, especial...
ANANZI AND BABOON
Greed and deceit often lead to unexpected and uncomfortable consequences.
ANANZI AND QUANQUA
Cunning and quick thinking can often outwit brute strength or simple-mindedness.
ANANZI AND THE LION
Cunning and trickery, though effective in the short term, often lead to further complications and th...
ANANZI AND THE LION
Cleverness and trickery can overcome brute strength, but deceit often leads to further trouble.
AS TREES WALKING
Faith, kindness, and spiritual connection can bring profound healing and renewal, often in unexpecte...
BABOON FABLES
Justice can be found in unexpected ways, and sometimes the natural order of things is the most fitti...
![BROTHER FOX’S TAR BABY[\[O\]](#FootnoteO15)](https://wsrv.nl/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpustaka.org%2Flibrary-files%2Fenglish%2Fvarious%2Fboys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales%2Fbrother_fox_s_tar_baby_o_footnoteo15%2Fimages%2Fcover%2Fcover_001.png&w=100&h=133&fit=cover&output=webp&q=80){kind=small}
BROTHER FOX’S TAR BABY[\[O\]](#FootnoteO15)
Even the cleverest trickster can be outsmarted, and one's perceived weakness can be a hidden strengt...
BROTHER RABBIT AND THE GINGERCAKES
Even the most powerful can be outsmarted by wit and cleverness.
![BR’ER FOX TACKLES OLD BR’ER TARRYPIN[\[Q\]](#FootnoteQ17)](https://wsrv.nl/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpustaka.org%2Flibrary-files%2Fenglish%2Fvarious%2Fboys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales%2Fbr_er_fox_tackles_old_br_er_tarrypin_q_footnoteq17%2Fimages%2Fcover%2Fcover_001.png&w=100&h=133&fit=cover&output=webp&q=80){kind=small}
BR’ER FOX TACKLES OLD BR’ER TARRYPIN[\[Q\]](#FootnoteQ17)
Even the weakest can outsmart the strong through cleverness and understanding their opponent's weakn...
BR’ER POSSUM LOVES PEACE
Sometimes, a clever excuse can save face, even if it's not entirely true.
![BR’ER RABBIT’S FISHING[\[P\]](#FootnoteP16)](https://wsrv.nl/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpustaka.org%2Flibrary-files%2Fenglish%2Fvarious%2Fboys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales%2Fbr_er_rabbit_s_fishing_p_footnotep16%2Fimages%2Fcover%2Fcover_001.png&w=100&h=133&fit=cover&output=webp&q=80){kind=small}
BR’ER RABBIT’S FISHING[\[P\]](#FootnoteP16)
Cunning and quick thinking can get you out of a tight spot and even turn the tables on your adversar...
DIVINATION
Even in the face of tragedy and societal division, a pure heart can perceive a higher truth and insp...
EIGHT-EIGHT IN LAVENDER
True fulfillment often lies not in grand, organized pursuits, but in unexpected connections to one's...
FOR HIS COUNTRY'S GOOD
Even in exile, one can find a sense of purpose and belonging by embracing new surroundings and apply...
FUEL OF FIRE
Racial prejudice and social exclusion, especially when they harm innocent lives, are grave sins that...
HAAMDAANEE AND THE WISE
Even the humblest beginnings can lead to great fortune through unexpected wisdom and loyalty.
HEITSI EIBIP AND OTHER LEGENDS
HOUSEHOLD TALES
Listen to the warnings of the wise, even if they are young, for their foresight can save you from da...
HOW A WITCH WAS CAUGHT
Evil deeds, even those hidden by magic, will eventually be exposed and punished.
![HOW COUSIN WILDCAT SERVED BR’ER FOX[\[R\]](#FootnoteR18)](https://wsrv.nl/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpustaka.org%2Flibrary-files%2Fenglish%2Fvarious%2Fboys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales%2Fhow_cousin_wildcat_served_br_er_fox_r_footnoter18%2Fimages%2Fcover%2Fcover_001.png&w=100&h=133&fit=cover&output=webp&q=80){kind=small}
HOW COUSIN WILDCAT SERVED BR’ER FOX[\[R\]](#FootnoteR18)
Do not be easily swayed by others' trickery, especially when it appeals to your pride or ignorance.
HOW SUN, MOON AND WIND WENT OUT TO DINNER
Selfishness leads to suffering and disdain, while generosity and thoughtfulness bring blessings and ...
HOW THE BIRDS TALK
HOW THE TERRAPIN WAS TAUGHT TO FLY
Be careful what you wish for, and always consider the full consequences of your actions.
How Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to Dinner
Those who are selfish and forget their loved ones will face negative consequences, while those who a...
INTELLIGENCE
True intelligence and moral clarity often come from unexpected sources, revealing the inherent goodn...
INTRODUCTION TO APPENDIX
Wit and intelligence can overcome brute strength and size.
JACKAL FABLES
Cunning and wit can overcome brute strength, but often at the expense of others.
JULIAN
Prioritizing personal gain and comfort over one's professed spiritual calling can lead to a profound...
King Mungo
Poor judgment and taking bad advice can lead to lasting negative consequences and disrupt establishe...
LA BELLE DAME
The wild, untamed aspects of nature and foreign lands can be both captivating and dangerously overwh...
LE ROI EST MORT
Uncritical progress, especially when imposed on natural environments, can bring unforeseen and somet...
LION FABLES
Disregarding the wisdom of those more experienced can lead to dire consequences, and even the mighty...
LYCANTHROPY
True spiritual service can take many forms, and a pure heart, even in lay service, may be more valua...
MAN'S AIRY NOTIONS
One must choose between a life of solitary idealism and a life of earthly commitment, each with its ...
MINIATURE EDITIONS
Macmillan’s Prize Library
NEW LIGHT ON AN OLD CHAMPION
True divine intervention may transcend national loyalties, focusing on the eradication of conflict i...
OUR LADY OF THE LAKE
Divine intervention, often perceived differently by those involved, can serve a higher purpose of pr...
PISGAH
True guidance and purpose are found not just in familiar comforts, but in understanding and adhering...
PLANTATION STORIES
Listen to the wisdom of your elders and be wary of strangers, especially those who flatter or ask to...
SUN AND MOON FABLES
Actions, or inactions, can lead to lasting consequences, and some burdens are too great for any one ...
![THE ADVENTURES OF SIMON AND SUSANNA[\[1\]](#f1)](https://wsrv.nl/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpustaka.org%2Flibrary-files%2Fenglish%2Fjoel_chandler_harris%2Fdaddy_jake_the_runaway_and_short_stories_told_after_dark%2Fthe_adventures_of_simon_and_susanna_1_f1%2Fimages%2Fcover%2Fcover_001.png&w=100&h=133&fit=cover&output=webp&q=80){kind=small}
THE ADVENTURES OF SIMON AND SUSANNA[\[1\]](#f1)
Cunning and quick thinking can overcome even the most powerful adversaries.
THE BLACK DEATH
Unchecked prejudice and hatred can consume an individual, leading to self-destruction.
THE BURNT OFFERING A SEQUEL TO 'THE LEPER WINDOWS
True worship and spiritual growth are fostered by respecting local customs and ensuring voluntary, s...
THE CREATURE WITH NO CLAWS
Do not underestimate others based on superficial appearances, and do not let pride lead you to fooli...
THE DOUBLE CABIN
True love and spiritual connection can transcend physical death and distance.
THE EAR OF CORN AND THE TWELVE MEN
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THE FISHING PARTY
Those who are too eager for gain or too quick to believe may be easily fooled by a clever trickster.
THE FOOLISH WOMAN
Unchecked anger and a desire for absolute control can lead to self-destruction and ruin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I read folktales from africa for free?
Pustaka has 60 folktales from africa available to read completely free online. No registration or payment required. All stories include reading time, moral lessons, and illustrations.
What ages are folktales from africa suitable for?
Most fairy tales on Pustaka are suitable for children ages 3-12. Each story shows its recommended age range and reading time to help you choose the right story.
How many folktales from africa does Pustaka have?
This collection has 60 stories, and Pustaka's full library contains over 10,000 fairy tales from every culture around the world.
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This page features 60 curated stories matching "folktales from africa" from our library of 10,000+ fairy tales. All stories are free to read online, with no registration required. Each story includes reading time estimates, moral lessons, and character illustrations where available. Explore our full library or browse by theme.