Nigeria has a rich tradition of storytelling, with folktales passed down through generations. These stories often feature tricksters, animals, spirits, and lessons about morality, wisdom, and community. Here are some of the most popular Nigerian folktales:
1. Why the Tortoise’s Shell Is Cracked
This classic Igbo folktale explains why the tortoise has a rough shell.
- Story Summary: Tortoise tricks the birds into giving him feathers so he can attend a feast in the sky. He tells the birds that his name is “All of You” and eats all the food, claiming it was meant for “All of You.” Angry, the birds take back their feathers, leaving him stranded. He jumps down but crashes onto hard ground, shattering his shell.
- Moral: Greed and deception lead to consequences.
2. The Lion’s Whisker
A story of patience and love, commonly told among the Yoruba and Hausa people.
- Story Summary: A woman wants a love potion to bring back her husband’s affection. A wise man tells her she must pluck a whisker from a living lion. She patiently earns the lion’s trust, eventually obtaining the whisker. The wise man then tells her that patience, not magic, is the true solution.
- Moral: Trust and love take time to build.
3. Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky
A tale from the Efik and Ibibio people explaining the sun and moon’s place in the sky.
- Story Summary: Sun and Moon are friends with Water and invite him to visit their home. When Water arrives with all his sea creatures, he floods their home. To escape, Sun and Moon climb onto the roof and eventually into the sky, where they remain.
- Moral: Some things are not meant to mix, and actions have lasting consequences.
4. The Talking Skull
A haunting story about the dangers of careless speech.
- Story Summary: A hunter finds a talking skull in the forest and tells the king. When the king and his men arrive, the skull remains silent. The angry king orders the hunter’s execution. After the hunter dies, the skull speaks again, revealing that it too was once a man who talked too much.
- Moral: Words have consequences; think before you speak.
5. The Magic Drum
A tale from the Efik people about the rewards and consequences of greed.
- Story Summary: A tortoise receives a magical drum that produces endless food when beaten. He becomes greedy and mistreats his family. Eventually, the drum is replaced with another that causes beatings instead.
- Moral: Greed and selfishness lead to downfall.
6. How the Leopard Got Its Spots
A Yoruba tale that explains the leopard’s markings.
- Story Summary: Leopard once had a plain golden coat. He hid animals from hunters, and in gratitude, they left dark marks on his fur. The marks became permanent, creating his spotted coat.
- Moral: Kindness leaves lasting marks.
7. The Elephant and the Hare
A story about how intelligence can overcome strength.
- Story Summary: Hare challenges Elephant to a tug-of-war, secretly tying the other end of the rope to a tree. The Elephant pulls with all his might but cannot move the tree. Thinking Hare is stronger, Elephant admits defeat.
- Moral: Intelligence is more powerful than brute strength.
8. The Clever Monkey
A Hausa folktale about using wit to escape danger.
- Story Summary: Monkey is caught by a hungry crocodile who wants to eat his heart. Monkey tricks Crocodile by saying he left his heart at home. When Crocodile lets him go to retrieve it, Monkey escapes into the trees.
- Moral: Quick thinking can save you from trouble.