Long before people could turn to books for instruction and amusement, they relied upon storytellers for answers to their questions about life. Africa boasts a particularly rich oral tradition, in which the griot — village historian — preserved and passed along cultural beliefs and experiences from one generation to the next. This collection of 30 timeless fables comes from the storytellers of Nigeria, whose memorable narratives tell of promises kept and broken, virtue rewarded, and treachery punished. Ajapa the Tortoise — a trickster, or animal with human qualities — makes frequent appearances among the colorful cast of talking animals. In "Tortoise Goes Wooing," he learns a valuable lesson in friendship and sharing. Ajapa's further adventures describe how, among other things, he became a chief, acquired all of the world's wisdom, saved the king, tricked the lion, and came to be bald. Recounted in simple but evocative language, these ancient tales continue to enchant readers and listeners of all ages.
The book “Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa” is a Folk tales written by Elphinstone Dayrell. Elphinstone Dayrell, a British colonial administrator, collected and preserved conventional folks tales from Southern Nigeria. "Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa" is a complicated web of oral traditions that captures the spirit of Nigerian tradition. The paintings of literature contain a huge range of folks stories, myths, and legends handed down over ages in Nigeria.Dayrell's paintings are an exquisite useful resource for gaining knowledge of approximately Southern Nigeria's oral literature and cultural records.These human beings's recollections mirror the attitudes, behaviors, and values of numerous Nigerian groups. The testimonies have appealing characters consisting of foxy animals, supernatural beings, and courageous men. Morality, bravery, consciousness, and deception are key topics in these tales, which educate listeners and readers vital instructions. Dayrell efficaciously portrays Southern Nigeria's numerous landscapes and traditions. The work of literature preserves actual folklore, so assisting to preserve Nigeria's cultural historical history for future generations. Each narrative offers insight into the Nigerian humans's ideas and creativity, as well as their many cultural affects.
Nigerian folktales are epic stories that can explain the world around us. These stories and myths have been told within generations. Nigerian folklore include proverbs, myths, "just so" stories, and riddles. "Just so" stories are designed to explain features of an animal, such as their appearance or their habits. Morals are either explicitly stated at the end of Nigerian folktales, or hidden within the text. Animals, especially the tortoise, hold prominence in the tales from Nigeria, and unlike other folk tales from Africa, there aren't many "trickster" figures like Anasi. Reading some of the stories from Nigeria, you may note that the stories bear similarity to some European folk tales, filled with poor peasant girls, royalty, and magical properties; however, many of the folk tales bear a magic that is all their own, with grand narratives readers have loved for years. The collection of Folktales from Nigeria consists of one book with 40 folktales collected from Southern Nigeria. The stories are full of mentions of strange institutions, as well as of rare adventures. Book includes: The Tortoise with a Pretty Daughter How a Hunter obtained Money from his Friends the Leopard, Goat, Bush Cat, and Cock, and how he got out of repaying them The Woman with Two Skins The King's Magic Drum Ituen and the King's Wife Of the Pretty Stranger who Killed the King Why the Bat flies by Night The Disobedient Daughter who Married a Skull The King who Married the Cock's Daughter The Woman, the Ape, and the Child The Fish and the Leopard's Wife; or, Why the Fish lives in the Water Why the Bat is Ashamed to be seen in the Daytime Why the Worms live Underneath the Ground The Elephant and the Tortoise; or, Why the Worms are Blind and Why the Elephant has Small Eyes Why a Hawk kills Chickens Why the Sun and the Moon live in the Sky Why the Flies Bother the Cows Why the Cat kills Rats The Story of the Lightning and the Thunder Why the Bush Cow and the Elephant are bad Friends The Cock who caused a Fight between two Towns The Affair of the Hippopotamus and the Tortoise; or, Why the Hippopotamus lives in the Water Why Dead People are Buried Of the Fat Woman who Melted Away Concerning the Leopard, the Squirrel, and the Tortoise Why the Moon Waxes and Wanes The Story of the Leopard, the Tortoise, and the Bush Rat The King and the Ju Ju Tree How the Tortoise overcame the Elephant and the Hippopotamus Of the Pretty Girl and the Seven Jealous Women How the Cannibals drove the People from Insofan Mountain to the Cross River The Lucky Fisherman The Orphan Boy and the Magic Stone The Slave Girl who tried to Kill her Mistress The King and the 'Nsiat Bird Concerning the Fate of Essido and his Evil Companions Concerning the Hawk and the Owl The Story of the Drummer and the Alligators The 'Nsasak Bird and the Odudu Bird The Election of the King Bird
This collection of eleven tales from Nigeria includes "The Boy and the Leopard, " "The King and the Ring, " and "The Reward of Treachery." Also contains a glossary and explanation of customs.
Unveil the Timeless Magic of Nigeria’s Rich Folklore Step into a world where cunning tricksters outwit their foes, where the sun and moon once walked among us, and where spirits and animals teach lessons that resonate through time. Folk Tales from Nigeria: Timeless Tales of Trickery, Wisdom, and the Supernatural from African Folklore is a captivating collection of Nigeria's most cherished folk tales, brought together in a beautifully crafted volume that honors the vibrant storytelling traditions of Africa. In this first volume of Folk Tales from Nigeria, readers of all ages will be enchanted by the adventures of characters like the clever Tortoise who deceives the birds, the brave girl who marries a ghost, and the wise Crab who survives against all odds. These stories, steeped in the cultural richness of Nigeria, offer profound lessons and insights that have been passed down through generations. A Treasure Trove of African Wisdom More than just stories, these folk tales are the distilled essence of Nigerian culture, brimming with timeless knowledge and profound teachings. They are a pleasure to read, filled with universal themes of wisdom, trickery, and the supernatural. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales serve as a bridge to understanding the values, beliefs, and traditions of Nigeria. At the heart of this collection is a mission to preserve the invaluable cultural inheritance that these stories represent. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, offering a unique window into the soul of a culture. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of Nigerian tradition, ready to be cherished and passed down to future generations. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired by the teachings and wisdom of Nigeria’s ancestral stories. Whether you’re a lover of African folklore, a seeker of wisdom, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of storytelling, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Timeless African Folklore: Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse folklore of Nigeria, with stories that have been cherished and passed down through generations, capturing the essence of the country’s cultural heritage. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that are as entertaining as they are educational, this collection is suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Nigerian culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity and continue to influence its people today. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf, making it a valuable part of your literary collection. Folk Tales from Nigeria is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of African culture, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire, educate, and connect us to the wisdom of our ancestors.
