Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Inspirational > Spirituality

You’ll Love the Wit & Wisdom of These African Folktales

By: Bhavesh B.

Font Size:

A+ A-

We’ve all grown up listening to short folk stories narrated by our elders. These tales are part of every culture, and they help entertain, pass knowledge, and teach beliefs and morals. When it comes to folktales with morals, Africa has a treasure trove of wonderful ones everyone must read at least once. These African stories have been used for ages to entertain and educate children.

African folktales usually draw from everyday phenomena and feature sly animals and spirits as the main characters. Given that animals play such an important part in Africa, this is no surprise. While it is true that the stories have talking animals and might seem far-fetched at first glance, the inherent message in them is always relatable to everyone. Here are some famous old African short stories that we feel you and the young ones in your family will love.

Related: 5 Zen Parables With Profound Life Lessons

1. Why Are the Cheetah’s Cheeks Stained?

Inspiring African Folktales, mother cheetah

Inspiring African Folktales, cheetah and cub

Moral:

This story reminds us that we shouldn’t take an easy but unethical path to achieve our goal just because it’s convenient. We must use our own strength and skills to achieve our objectives rather than doing something dishonorable. In the long run, it will only cause us more harm than good.

Related: The Six Elephants - Ancient Myth with a Moral!

2. Jabu and the Lion

Moral:

The moral of this Zulu story is simple: promises should not be broken. If you don’t honor your promise, fate might not be so kind to you in return.

3. The Curse of the Chameleon

Inspiring African Folktales, chameleon , river

Moral:

This story teaches us that we mustn’t defer from our goal and become disloyal to someone who trusts us. It's easy to be distracted on the way to our mission, but doing so will only lead to misfortune and destruction.

Related: This Story Teaches a Life Lesson We Always Seem to Forget

4. King of the Birds

Inspiring African Folktales, eagle, peacock

Related: 12 Powerful Short Stories That Everybody Should Read!

Inspiring African Folktales, sparrow, vulture

Moral:

The story shows that leadership is not all about size but about skill and wisdom. You might not feel as skilled or successful as the people around you, but if you stick to your strengths and keep using your wits, you will certainly emerge victorious.

Share these wonderful stories with your loved ones!

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Cute overload

13 Times Dogs Didn't Know What the Heck was Going On!!

These dogs are so confused it's simply hilarious!

Spirituality

These Childhood Fables Are More Relevant Than Ever Before

12 Forgotten Aesop's Fables and the Lessons They Teach

Aesop’s fables weren’t just for children; many of its lesser-known tales offer great lessons for adults even today.

Art

Artist Creates Unbelievable Illusions Through Body Art

Mind-Boggling Body Art That Transforms Humans Into Animals

Artist Gesine Marwedel can transform the human body into some unbelievably realistic paintings. Check out some of her best works...

Humor

Not All Photobombs Are Bad. Here Are Some Hilarious Ones

15 Hilarious Photobombs That Completely Stole The Show

Sometimes, a photobomb can result in some incredibly hilarious moments.

Spirituality

These Ancient Chinese Stories Have Great Moral Teachings

Enrich Your Day with These Beautiful Chinese Fables

Sit back and enjoy these beautiful Chinese fables with great moral lessons.

Nature

Nature Finds a Way to Survive Any Place It Possibly Can

These pictures are proof that nature never ever gives up and always finds a way to survive.

Recipes & Drinks

Rescuing a Dish That's Too Salty, Too Spicy, or Too Bland

Here is your rescue guide for the three most common kitchen disaster - food too salty, too bland or too spicy.

Nature

7 Animals that Made It Back From Near-Extinction

7 Animals that Made a Comeback From Near-Extinction

Seven remarkable comeback stories, all recognized within roughly the last ten years. Each one is proof that when we decide a creature is worth saving, we often can.

Send Comment

Related Topics: animals, photos, inspirational, african, baba recommends, stories, storytelling, Lessons for Life, folk tales, moral tale, moral stories, folktales, african folktales

Quizzes

Wars of the 21st Century

Before you are 15 questions. From the Middle East to Eastern Europe and beyond, how well do you remember the battles, alliances, and turning points that defined warfare in our time?

Movies of the 2020s

This 14-question trivia quiz will challenge your memory of the decade's most memorable plots, directors, and cultural milestones.

General Knowledge Trivia

Whether you're here to compete, learn, or simply enjoy the process, this quiz offers a balanced mix of difficulty and intrigue. Settle in, trust your instincts, and see how your knowledge stacks up. Ready to begin?