This book challenges us to take a cursory glance at our contemporary world, where modern mans scientific and technological ingenuity has led him to soar thorough the galaxy and made the heavens part of his domain; and contrast that with his level of morality today. Open any newspaper or listen to the radio and television news and you cant help but lament on the appalling moral depravity and obscene behavior of our contemporary man. With this intractable moral depravity on the ascendancy, the author nostalgically reminiscences the upright morality of yesteryears, and admonishes us to heed Platos philosophical advice: now since men are by nature acquisitive, jealous, combative, and erotic, how shall we persuade them to behave themselves? By the policemans omnipresent club? {now, AK 47}. It is a brutal method, costly and irritating. There is a better way, and this is by lending to the moral requirements of the community. Throughout this book the author emphasizes the significance of proper moral education in shaping the character of children, youngsters and even adults, and reminds us: morals are the rules by which society exhorts its members and associations to behavior consistent with its 'order, security and growth {Will & Ariel Durant}. The author noted that in traditional African societies, the wise elders, like the ancient Greek philosophers, strongly emphasized the teachability of moral values and deliberately inculcated them into their youngsters. The stories in this book are folktales filled with moral lessons that have been handed down from many generations to the present in many African countries from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroons, Liberia, the Gambia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania to Zimbabwe. The traditional African elders successfully utilized these folktales to socialize their youngsters to the moral requirements of their society to insure stability, harmonious relations, order, security and growth.

These thrilling, whimsically and action packed anthology of adventurous stories bring to life some vital aspects of traditional African culture. These wonderful African traditional stories offer a rare glimpse into a portion of African traditional culture not often openly discussed outside many remote villages they originate from. As you peer through these pages be prepared to be thrilled and amazed as some aspects of ancient African culture are brought to life through amazing story telling. Most of the stories are used to reinforce the traditional virtues in these tribal societies. Some of the stories illustrate and exemplify what happens to youngsters when they choose to follow the century old African tradition and culture; and when another youngster deviates from the traditional African values of respecting and honoring their elders. And yes, some of the stories are told to young girls in rural areas as cautionary tales to keep them from marrying total strangers outside their respective tribes. Most of the stories and folktales here are fictionalized and many characters borrowed from various cultures to entertain the reading audience, while imparting numerous traditional virtues and morals into the youngsters. The ancient traditional African elders strongly believe in inculcating and ingraining these societal virtues into their youngsters, because like the ancient Greek philosophers, the African elders deeply concurred with Plato’s enunciation that: “Now since men are by nature acquisitive, jealous, combative and erotic, how shall we persuade them to behave themselves? By the Policeman’s omnipresent club? It is a brutal method, costly and irritating. There is a better way, and this is by lending to the moral requirements of the community.”

This children's storybook contains five African folktales. The first story explains How the Tortoise Got Its Rough Shell. The animals had a summit with the supreme being, Eke, in the sky. Greed and lack of altruism cost the Tortoise dearly, as he crash-landed onto the roof of his hut from the sky. His broken shells were mended by Snail, but the result was a tortoise with rough shells. Altruism and concern for others are the morals of this story. The second story which extols the pride of motherhood is on The Farmer Who Buried His Mother Alive. Donealot, the successful farmer, had no choice other than to bury his persistently sick mother in the evil forest at night with the help of his friend, Conscience. The spirits of the evil forest brought his mother back home to a remorseful son with a sobering message, "You can never do enough for your mother." Encounters of the Lion and the Tortoise is the third story. In two separate incidents, Tortoise outwits Lion. The animals that were on their way to work for Lion never got there. Instead, Tortoise intercepted and entertained them all day with his melodious music. Wiseone, the youngest son of Tortoise, survived a murder attempt by Lion. Agunta, Lion's son, was killed instead. Wiseone returns home to a heroic welcome, with a reminder to all of us that wits usually prevail over raw strength, and that slow and steady wins the race. The story of The Two Mischievous Brothers describes how two brothers, Kofi and Uka, conspired to swindle people. On market days, Uka would transform himself into a bull, and his brother Kofi took him to the market. Unsuspecting buyers would exchange the bull for other animals. Uka, the bull, escaped from the buyer and transformed himself back into a human, only to be resold to someone else. The two brothers ran out of luck when Nkume, the buyer with magical powers, beat them to their game. The moral of the story is that it does not pay to be a cheat. The fifth story, Vengeance of the God of Justice - Amadioha, explains the ordeal Chuk went through at the hands of his wicked stepmother, Dab. This heir to the throne of the ancient city of Kaa survived numerous physical and emotional abuses from Dab. He was buried alive for a crime he never committed. Only the timely intervention of the god of justice - Amadioha brought him back from the grave. The moral of the story is that we should be careful not to maltreat the less-privileged in our society, because the natural law of justice is sure to catch up with us if we treat others unfairly.

Chinese generally look condescendingly on the humanity of black Africans, but over the past decades there have been a huge influx of Chinese on the African continent. What is driving the Chinese to the African continent? Are the Chinese in Africa to help Africa develop in their so-called win-win, or south-southdevelopment method? Or are the Chinese in Africa to exploit the huge super abundant raw materials and mineral resources to fuel their expanding industries?It is true that the Chinese are currently building monumental stadiums, presidential palaces, conference halls,but as much as Africans are grateful for these they do not represent economic progress for Africa. What we see though is Chinese offering huge loans to African nations in return for their raw materials. Ironically, most of the loans end up in the hands of Chinese contractors undertaking the construction projects, Chinese labor working in the projects, and Chinese materials and products used in the projects. In the end African governments are left holding the bag of huge repayments back to China. Moreover, some, if not, many of the infrastructure are often shoddy as the case of Angolan hospital, and many roads in Africa have demonstrated. Additionally, Chinese also support African dictators like Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Omar Bashir of Sudan, Santos of Angola and many others with deadly weaponry to oppress African citizens. Finally, the Beijing Consensus though has helped lift many Chinese out of poverty cannot be replicated in Africa, because of its authoritarian nature.

Rev. ed. of: Introduction to African oral literature. c1991.

This book challenges us to take a cursory glance at our contemporary world, where modern man's scientific and technological ingenuity has led him to soar thorough the galaxy and made the heavens part of his domain; and contrast that with his level of morality today. Open any newspaper or listen to the radio and television news and you can't help but lament on the appalling moral depravity and obscene behavior of our contemporary man. With this intractable moral depravity on the ascendancy, the author nostalgically reminiscences the upright morality of yesteryears, and admonishes us to heed Plato's philosophical advice: 'now since men are by nature acquisitive, jealous, combative, and erotic, how shall we persuade them to behave themselves? By the policeman's omnipresent club? {now, AK 47}. It is a brutal method, costly and irritating. There is a better way, and this is by lending to the moral requirements of the community. Throughout this book the author emphasizes the significance of proper moral education in shaping the character of children, youngsters and even adults, and reminds us: 'morals are the rules by which society exhorts its members and associations to behavior consistent with its 'order, security and growth' {Will & Ariel Durant}. The author noted that in traditional African societies, the wise elders, like the ancient Greek philosophers, strongly emphasized the teachability of moral values and deliberately inculcated them into their youngsters. The stories in this book are folktales filled with moral lessons that have been handed down from many generations to the present in many African countries from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroons, Liberia, the Gambia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania to Zimbabwe. The traditional African elders successfully utilized these folktales to socialize their youngsters to the moral requirements of their society to insure stability, harmonious relations, order, security and growth.

Unveil the Timeless Magic of Nigeria’s Rich Folklore Step into a world where cunning tricksters outwit their foes, where the sun and moon once walked among us, and where spirits and animals teach lessons that resonate through time. Folk Tales from Nigeria: Timeless Tales of Trickery, Wisdom, and the Supernatural from African Folklore is a captivating collection of Nigeria's most cherished folk tales, brought together in a beautifully crafted volume that honors the vibrant storytelling traditions of Africa. In this first volume of Folk Tales from Nigeria, readers of all ages will be enchanted by the adventures of characters like the clever Tortoise who deceives the birds, the brave girl who marries a ghost, and the wise Crab who survives against all odds. These stories, steeped in the cultural richness of Nigeria, offer profound lessons and insights that have been passed down through generations. A Treasure Trove of African Wisdom More than just stories, these folk tales are the distilled essence of Nigerian culture, brimming with timeless knowledge and profound teachings. They are a pleasure to read, filled with universal themes of wisdom, trickery, and the supernatural. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales serve as a bridge to understanding the values, beliefs, and traditions of Nigeria. At the heart of this collection is a mission to preserve the invaluable cultural inheritance that these stories represent. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, offering a unique window into the soul of a culture. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of Nigerian tradition, ready to be cherished and passed down to future generations. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired by the teachings and wisdom of Nigeria’s ancestral stories. Whether you’re a lover of African folklore, a seeker of wisdom, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of storytelling, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Timeless African Folklore: Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse folklore of Nigeria, with stories that have been cherished and passed down through generations, capturing the essence of the country’s cultural heritage. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that are as entertaining as they are educational, this collection is suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Nigerian culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity and continue to influence its people today. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf, making it a valuable part of your literary collection. Folk Tales from Nigeria is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of African culture, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire, educate, and connect us to the wisdom of our ancestors.

Discover the Magic and Mystery of South Africa’s Most Cherished Folk Tales Step into a world where clever jackals outwit mighty lions, enchanted brides break free from serpentine curses, and mysterious creatures weave webs of both danger and wonder. Folk Tales from South Africa: Ancient Legends and Mystical Creatures from the Heart of South Africa and its Tribes is a captivating collection of timeless tales from the diverse and rich cultural heritage of South Africa, beautifully brought together in this enchanting volume. In this first installment of the Folk Tales from South Africa series, you will embark on thrilling adventures alongside characters from the Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Venda, and San cultures. Discover the cunning tricks of the jackal in The Lion and the Jackal, marvel at the magic of The Enchanted Buck, and hold your breath as a brave girl faces the shape-shifting Mbulu. These stories are not only captivating but also offer profound life lessons passed down through generations, teaching bravery, resilience, and the importance of wit and wisdom. A Journey Through the Heart of South Africa’s Indigenous Wisdom Each tale is filled with timeless knowledge, reflecting universal themes that resonate across generations. They are a pleasure to read, suitable for all ages, and a bridge to deeper cultural understanding. At the heart of this collection is a mission to preserve and celebrate this invaluable cultural inheritance. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, offering a glimpse into the values, struggles, and aspirations of a people. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you will find a treasure trove of South Africa's finest tales, ready to be passed down to future generations. A Treasure for Any Library or Bookshelf This collection is more than just a book—it is a keepsake that will bring joy to any lover of folklore, a resource for educators, and an essential addition to any family’s library. Whether you are looking to rediscover these stories or introduce them to a new generation, this volume offers an opportunity to experience the happiness that storytelling brings, both to the teller and the listener. We envision this collection as a treasure for future generations, something to be passed down, preserving the profound teachings and magical stories that have shaped South Africa’s cultural identity. These tales are a reminder of the lessons of the past, the wisdom of our ancestors, and the joy that storytelling brings. Key Features: South Africa’s Rich Heritage: Immerse yourself in the diverse folklore of South Africa’s tribes, from the Zulu and Xhosa to the San and Sotho, each tale reflecting the deep cultural values of the region. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that entertain as much as they educate, this collection is ideal for readers young and old, offering both adventure and timeless moral lessons. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of African culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity for centuries. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a treasured keepsake, this volume makes a perfect addition to any bookshelf or personal library, with stories meant to be shared and preserved for generations. Add this enchanting volume to your collection today and become part of the enduring tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire, teach, and connect us to the world and to one another. This is your invitation to explore the magical world of South African folk tales—stories that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

African mythology is a vast and complex field that encompasses the myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs of numerous cultures across the continent. Unlike mythologies from other parts of the world that often center around a single pantheon or narrative, African mythology is a tapestry of stories that vary widely among regions, tribes, and languages. These myths serve not only as captivating tales but also as the foundation for many African cultural values, ethics, and social norms. Through mythology, African societies have historically explained the mysteries of the universe, human existence, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. The myths often act as a bridge that connects the people to their ancestors, guiding them through life’s challenges, reinforcing traditions, and celebrating the wonders of nature and the supernatural. Myths hold a central place in African culture, weaving through every aspect of life, from religious practices and ceremonies to moral lessons and social structures. They serve as more than just entertainment; they are the backbone of cultural identity, teaching values, history, and spiritual wisdom. In many African communities, myths are used to instill societal values such as respect, bravery, honesty, and the importance of community over individualism. These stories also shape the rituals and ceremonies that mark significant life events, including birth, initiation into adulthood, marriage, and death. Myths give people a sense of belonging and identity, linking them to their ancestors, land, and the unseen forces that govern their world. Through these narratives, individuals are reminded of their place in a larger cosmic order, where human actions and natural elements are interconnected.

This book consists of seven titles: African Mythology - Exploring African Mythology and Spiritual Traditions Celtic Mythology - Legends, Heroes, and the Mystical Landscape of Ancient Celts Chinese Mythology - Legends, Deities, and the Cultural Tapestry of Ancient China Egyptian Mythology - Legends, Deities, and the Mysteries of the Ancient Nile Germanic Mythology - Legends, Deities, and the Heroic Narratives of Ancient Germany Greek Mythology - Legends, Deities, and the Heroic Tales of Ancient Greece Norse Mythology - Legends, Gods, and the Epic Tales of the Viking Age