picture of a tortoise in a yoruba folktale carrying yams running after a dog at a farm where they have gone to steal, and the farm owner holding a cutlass looking at them.

18. Ijapa (Tortoise) and Aja (Dog)

A long time ago, the world was very different. Humans and animals had much in common, lived side by side,...

picture of two brothers in a yoruba folktale, gifted in music singing and dancing at a musical competition

16. The Jealous Brother

A long, long time ago, in Sasawa, a town in a faraway land there were two brothers, Mariwo and Jiraiye,...

picture of a tortoise in a yoruba folktale observing a beautiful young woman on her way to a river.

15. Ijapa (Tortoise) and Kerebuje

Many, many years ago there was a young woman called Kerebuje who lived with her parents in Makeke, the same...

picture of a young girl at a river in a yoruba folktale lulled to sleep by its beautiful surroundings

14. The Disobedient Girl (Alantere)

A long time ago, the world was very different. In a land far away, in the town of Ipẹri-Ake there...

picture of a group of people attacking a huge woman in a yoruba folktale

13. Ọlọmurọrọ

Many, many years ago in Idọja, a village just outside Sakowa – a town in a faraway land – there...

picture of a tortoise in hiding, in a yoruba folktale watching three princesses in their private garden forbidden to others.

12. Ijapa (Tortoise) and the Princesses

Many, many years ago, in Makeke, a town in far away land there lived an Ọba (ruler in the human...

picture of a man in a yoruba folktale following behind a woman outside the town and the woman telling him to turn back.

11. Olailo and the Mysterious Woman

A long, long time ago, in Kasawa, a town in a faraway land there was a man called Olailo. Olailo...

picture of a woman in a yoruba folktale at a stream where her co-wife's igbako (a utensil) is swept away by the current, frantically searching for it.

10. The Two Wives (Orogun Meji)

Many, many years ago, in Makani, a town in a faraway land there lived a man called Bamiwo who had...

picture of a tortoise in a yoruba folktale rescuing a young would be hunter from drowning.

9. Ijapa (Tortoise) and Jigborere, Oluwo’s Son

Many, many years ago, in Ijafa, a town in a faraway land, there was a man called Oluwo who had...

picture of Ojeje Traders in a yoruba folktale carrying their goods to a market, and a young girl going towards them crying.

8. Ojeje Traders

A very long time ago, in Akete, a town in a far, faraway land, there lived a renowned trader called...

picture of a woman market cloth seller with her goods on her head in a yoruba folktale, standing alone in front of an iroko tree (solid oak) and two other women sellers of other things.

7. Olurombi

7. Olurombi A very, very long time ago when Iroko (large, solid and long-lasting wood tree from West Africa) was...

picture of a huge elephant with a tortoise in front of him going into a town to be king in a yoruba folktale, with people cheering, dancing with music and fanfare.

6. Ijapa (Tortoise) and Erin (Elephant)

A long time ago, the world was very different. Humans and animals had much in common, lived side by side,...