African Myths and Folk Tales

How was the earth formed, and where did animals come from? Imaginative answers to age-old questions can be found among Africa's oral traditions. Compiled by the "Father of Black History," these fables unfold amid a magical realm of tricksters and fairies. Recounted in simple language, they will enchant readers and listeners of all ages. Over 60 illustrations.

Known as the Father of Black History, Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was a professor at Howard University and a founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History as well as editor of the Journal of Negro History.

PrefaceCreationWhy the Sun Shines by Day and the Moon by NightHow Animals Came into the WorldThe Beginning of DeathWhy Children Belong to the MotherThe Ingratethe Jealousy of the Blind ManThe Race for a WifeThe Deer and the SnailOhia and his SorrowsWhy Some Women Never Eat MuttonThe Fairy WifeThe Disobedient Daughter's Marriage  Kindness MisunderstoodThe Dog and the LeopardHow the Dog Became the Friend of ManThe Cats and FowlsWhy Chickens Live with manWhy the Hawk Catches ChickensThe Fox and the GoatWhy Goats Live with ManThe Lion, the Leopard, and the DogThe Leopard, the Tortoise, and the Bush RatThe Lioness and the CowWhy the Hippopotamus Lives in the WaterWhy the Bush Fowl Calls up the DawnWhy the Cat Catches RatsThe Crocodile's RelativesThe Reward for HonestyThe Squirrel and the SpiderThe Toad and the Kitethe Antelope and the JackalThe Leopard and the HareThe Rabbit and the AntelopeBeware of Bad CompanyThe Partnership of the Elephant and the RabbitThree Rival BrothersThe Legend of Ngurangurane