The Woman Who Followed the Dead
Once upon a time, there was a country whose people loved to dance the Wongko. People from other...
Nigerian Folktales & Myths
Welcome to our extraordinary collection of Nigerian Folktales, where ancient wisdom meets timeless storytelling. Explore timeless African folktales and myths passed down through generations.
The Cultural Significance of Nigerian Folktales
In African societies, Nigerian Folktales 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 Nigerian Folktales represents the diversity of African life and worldviews, reflecting courage, cleverness, and compassion in countless forms.
Regional Diversity in Nigerian Folktales
The beauty of African Nigerian Folktales 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 Nigerian Folktales Collection
Dive into a curated archive of over 200 authentic Nigerian Folktales 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 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 Dog's Loyal Sacrifice: How the Tortoise Got its Shell Pattern
Once upon a time, all animals were living together in unity. They were eating whatever they can find...
The King's Magic Drum
Efriam Duke was an ancient king of Calabar. He was a peaceful man, and did not like war. He had a...
The creation of the world
The entire world was filled with water when God decided to create the world. God sent his messenger...
The Tortoise, the Dog, and the Farmer: A Lesson in Friendship
Once upon a time, there was a famine in the land of Kurumi in southwestern Nigeria, everyone was...