The Woman Who Followed the Dead
Once upon a time, there was a country whose people loved to dance the Wongko. People from other...
Yoruba Folklore & Legends
Welcome to our extraordinary collection of Yoruba Tales, where ancient wisdom meets timeless storytelling. Explore timeless African folktales and myths passed down through generations.
The Cultural Significance of Yoruba Tales
In African societies, Yoruba Tales are more than entertainment—they serve as the backbone of moral education, cultural preservation, and historical record. Passed down by storytellers and elders, these tales preserve values, identity, and community wisdom.
From the deserts to rainforests, every Yoruba Tales represents the diversity of African life and worldviews, reflecting courage, cleverness, and compassion in countless forms.
Regional Diversity in Yoruba Tales
The beauty of African Yoruba Tales lies in their regional diversity. Each region contributes unique heroes, symbols, and lessons shaped by its environment and history.
West African Traditions
Famous for Anansi the Spider and trickster tales that celebrate intelligence over power.
East African Narratives
Highlight heroes, migrations, and nature’s mysteries through poetic storytelling.
Southern African Legends
Feature shape-shifters, ancestral spirits, and creation tales tied to sacred landscapes.
Central African Myths
Focus on harmony between people, animals, and the forest world through symbolic stories.
Explore Our Yoruba Tales Collection
Dive into a curated archive of over 200 authentic Yoruba Tales that connect the past and present. Every story offers entertainment, insight, and connection to Africa’s living heritage.
The Clever Hunter's Debt: An African Folktale of Wit, Predators, and Survival
Many years ago there was a Calabar hunter called Effiong who lived in the bush, killed plenty of...
The Woman Made of Oil: An African Folktale of Beauty, Jealousy, and Resurrection
The Woman Made of OilThere was once a very fat woman who was made of oil. She was very beautiful,...
The Leopard's Famine: An African Folktale of Survival, Sacrifice, and Betrayal
Many years ago there was a great famine throughout the land, and all the people were starving. The...
The Leopard of the Fine Skin: West African Folklore Tales
At the town of King Ra-Mborakinda, where the king lived with his wives and his children and his...
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The Origins of Dawn: Why the Cock Crows for the Sun Each Morning
In the beginning, the sun was the property of the cock. The god once asked the cock to give him the...
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The Witch's Deception: How Itu's Shapeshifter Defeated King Mbotu of Calabar
Mbotu was a very famous king of Old Town, Calabar. He was frequently at war, and was always...
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The Skull's Deception: A Calabar Tale of Beauty and Disobedience
Effiong Edem was a native of Cobham Town. He had a very fine daughter, whose name was Afiong. All...
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The Apprentice Thief: How a Boy Outwitted His Uncle - A Middle Eastern Folk Tale
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a young boy with his mother. His father had passed...