Popular African Folklore Books

Find folklore books written by authors from Africa for the next part of the Read Around The World Challenge. (19)

11.

Soundjata : ein Mandingo-Epos by Djibril Tamsir Niane DE

Rating: 5 (1 vote)
Country: Africa / Guinea flag Guinea
Description:
D. T. Niane (1932 - 2021), Historiker aus Guinea, lässt das alte Afrika zu uns sprechen. Er ist zu einem der Griots (nämlich Djeli Mamadou Kouyaté) gegangen, und hat aufgezeichnet, was diesem - zwar fantastisch ausgeschmückt, aber im Kern unverfälscht - über Generationen von dem Leben und den Taten des legendär gewordenen Großkönigs Soundjata überliefert wurde. Wir erfahren die Geschichten des "Helden mit den vielen Namen", Sohn des Büffels und des Löwen, der im 13. Jahrhundert zum Begründer des mächtigen Mandin... continue

12.

Sundiata : An Epic of Old Mali by Djibril Tamsir Niane EN

0 Ratings
Country: Africa / Guinea flag Guinea
Description:
"The son of Sogolon, the hunchback princess, and Maghan, known as 'the handsome', Sundiata grew up to fulfil the prophesies of the soothsayers that he would unite the twelve kingdoms of Mali into one of the most powerful empires ever known in Africa, which at its peak stretched right across the savanna belt from the shores of the Atlantic to the dusty walls of Timbuktu." "Retold by generations of griots - the guardians of African culture - this oral tradition has been handed down from the thirteenth century and captures all the mystery and majesty of medieval African kingship. It is an epic ta... continue

13.

The Bird Boy's Song by Steve Chimombo EN

0 Ratings
Country: Africa / Malawi flag Malawi
Description:
The Bird Boy's Song is a retelling of the common Malawian folk story. "The Orphan and the Slave". The story recounts a slave's usurpation of his master's place, which he enjoys for a short time, until he is unmasked. The author used modern storytelling techniques to dramatise this popular trickster tale.

14.

The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola EN

Rating: 5 (2 votes)
Country: Africa / Nigeria flag Nigeria
Description:
The ghosts live in the center of the jungle and this tells of what happens to the mortals who venture into the world of the ghosts.

15.

The Strange Bride by Grace Ogot EN

0 Ratings
Country: Africa / Kenya flag Kenya
Description:
An interpretation of a Luo myth. The people of GotOwaga lead a placid, almost idyllic, life-style until the glamorous and mysterious Nyawir suddenly appears from an unknown world.

16.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe EN

Rating: 4 (102 votes)
Country: Africa / Nigeria flag Nigeria
Description:
Okonowo is the greatest warrior alive and he is one of the powerful men of his clan. But he also has a fiery temper. Determined not to be like his father, he refuses to show his weakness. When outsiders threaten the traditions of his clan, he takes violent action. Will the great man's pride eventually destroy him?



19.

Why Goats Smell Bad by Raouf Mama EN

Rating: 4 (4 votes)
Country: Africa / Benin flag Benin
Description:
A collection of twenty folk stories from the Fon people of Benin, about orphans and twins with magical associations, spirits, animals, royalty, and farmers.