Judging from the state of the fantasy section in bookstores, fairy tale and folktale retellings are an enduring and well-loved subgenre. Most retellings focus on European folklore, but some authors have been branching into the mythology of other cultures as well, which has been great to see! Still, there is a dearth of inspiration taken from African folklore, so in that vein, here are seven African folktales that definitely deserve retellings.
Anansi
Anansi is a well-known figure of African folklore, and for good reason. Stories about the trickster and original spider-man are told by cultures all across the diaspora, and several people of my generation had their first introduction to him in the beloved PBS show Wishbone. There is plenty of inspiration for retellings in Anansi lore, including tales that feature Anansi’s son Kweku Tsin facing a dragon, Anansi stealing the sun and moon, and Anansi earning the right to stories.
Morning Sunrise
“Morning Sunrise” is a short story that follows a father finding a worthy suitor for his beautiful daughter through a clever trick. Morning Sunrise is a young woman so beautiful that every man who sees her wants to marry her. This makes it difficult for her father, who has to choose her betrothed, so he decides to send word throughout the land that his beautiful daughter is dead. Though Morning Sunrise never speaks up for herself in this story, it would be interesting to see it retold from her perspective.
Tail of the Princess Elephant
This one would be fun for anyone who is a fan of enemies to lovers, or even just enemies to enemies with benefits. In “Tail of the Princess Elephant,” a young man steals an elephant princess’ tail to fulfill a promise he made to his mother on her deathbed. In retaliation, the elephant princess transforms herself into a beautiful woman in order to marry the man who stole her tail–and kill him.
The Epic of Sundiata
Sundiata (or Sunjata) is another epic figure in African mythology, though he seems to be less well known than Anansi outside of Africa. Unlike Anansi, though, there is evidence that Sundiata actually existed in real life. In the epic of Sundiata, there is political intrigue, prophecy, and magic, plenty for an epic fantasy retelling.
Princess Yennenga
Yennenga is a princess and a warrior so skilled that her father refused to let her get married. However, Yennenga wants love and a family of her own. When her father locks her up to prevent her from leaving, she escapes in the guise of a man to try to find her own way. Her tale is a founding myth of the Mossi people of western Africa.
Thakane
Thakane, a mythological figure of the Sotho people in southern Africa, is the daughter of a chief who, when her parents die, is left to take care of her younger brothers. Her younger brothers are quite spoiled, and when they refuse to leave school until they receive a specific graduation present worthy of a chief’s sons, Thakane does what she has to do–she sets out to slay a dragon. What’s not to like about a princess who slays her own dragons?
The Lion Who Took a Woman’s Shape
If you’re looking for dark fantasy or horror inspiration, this would be an excellent place to start. “The Lion Who Took a Woman’s Shape” focuses on a woman whose daughter has been devoured by a lion. The lion decides to take the daughter’s place, stepping into her skin to pretend to be her, and the mother has to get rid of the lion and bring her daughter back.
Any of these would make excellent inspiration for a retelling. There are formidable princesses, terrifying foes, and familiar life lessons, all in a setting full of beauty, history, and culture.
Which would you start with? Tell us in the comments below!
