Africa brought forth many rich stories of folklore to the literature world. These stories continue to fascinate audiences and are often taught in schools. The body of African folklore encompasses tales from multiple regions of Africa, including fairy tales and folk tales from South Africa, Nigeria, Rhodesia and Zanzibar. The tales from Africa aren’t just stories, they’re living pieces of history and culture to those who tell them.

Animals are prominent in African folk tales, especially the monkey, elephant, lion, and giraffe, though other animals have their part as well. In the stories, animals often have human characteristics, for instance. Some of the African folk tales don’t have happy endings but instead impart a lesson. Other stories are origin stories, such as explaining why fish live in water.

African Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Fables List:
The Ape, the Snake, and the Lion
The Adventures of a Jackal
The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son
The Adventures of the Younger Son of the Jackal
The Clever Cat
The Death Of Abu Nowas And Of His Wife
Daughter of Buk Ettemsuch
Father Grumbler
Goso, the Teacher
The Hare and the Lion
Haamdaanee
The Husband of the Rat's Daughter
How Jakhals Fed Oom Leeuw
How Isuro the Rabbit Tricked Gudu
The Jackal, the Dove, and the Panther
The Jackal and the Spring
The Kites and the Crows
The Lion, the Hyena, and the Rabbit
The Little Hare
Mkaaah Jeechonee, the Boy Hunter
The Magician and the Sultan’s Son
Mohammed with the Magic Finger
Motiratika
The Nunda, Eater of People
The One-Handed Girl
The Physician’s Son and the King of the Snakes
The Partnership of the Thief and the Liar
The Place and the People
The Rover of the Plain
The Story of Dschemil and Dschemila
The Story of a Gazelle
The Story of Hassebu
The Story of Halfman
Samba the Coward
The Sacred Milk of Koumongoe
Udea and Her Seven Brothers
Who Was King?
Why the Hyena is Lame
Who Was the Thief?