Yoruba Legends

by M. I. Ogumefu B.A.

IN modern times we have begun paying close attention to folklore-old tales, not invented by one man, but belonging to the whole people; not written down, but told by parents to their children, and so handed on for hundreds of years. The legends and fairy stories in this book belong to the Yoruba country of Southem Nigeria. They relate the adventures of men and animals, and try to explain the mysteries of Nature-Why Women have Long Hair, How the Leopard got his Spots, and so forth. Most of them include very old songs, but these cannot here be given in full. We must not think that the stories are scientifically true; they grew out of the imagination of the people, and for actual, proven facts we must look in our text-books. We read these folk-tales for their quaintness and humour, for their sympathy with Nature, and because we find in them the ideas and ideals, not just of one man, but of the race.

Genres: Religion, Africa, Mythology

68 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2007

Reviews

[Abreham · Rating 3 out of 5]

But 'The Head' is a story of 5+ stars. Its 'it is what it is' attitude is so rare in stories/myths of its kind that I had to read it again. And its randomness made me laugh each time.

[Atticus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have ceased reading at the preface:
 
¨The legends express primitive notions of right and wrong, and in this they fall below the new standard which Christianity has set for our actions.¨

Weep at the taint of Abraham, O ye children of the world,
That denigration should take the rightful place of harmony.

This is a short text in writing that is simple and without flourish, and the myths feel dead on the page. Would not recommend.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a fun read. Read with a friend for a podcast we are attempting to start (lost the recordings so they weren't put up, but nonetheless). Each story is very short so it can be cut off at almost any time without much loss.

The stories of Tortise are kind of disturbing though.
Also the slavery repeated theme is eehhh.

[Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! 40 Yoruba legends condensed to less than a page each. A fun read that makes me want to dig deeper into these myths. Reading this because of a tweet from Zardulu.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional tales and legends of the Yoruba.