African Myths and Legends

Oxford Myths and Legends

by Kathleen Arnott, Joan Kiddell Monroe (Illustrator)

Drawn from all parts of Africa, the myths and legends of the African people demonstrate a fierce sense of justice, great powers of patience and endurance, and supreme ability as story-tellers.

Genres: Folklore, Fiction, Mythology, Africa, Short Stories

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

Reviews

[Noemi Kuban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why the bat flies at night, why the sun and the moon live in the sky, why does thunder come after the lightning, and many more.:) This is a very lovely collection of folk tales from different parts and peoples of Africa. I’ll be reading these to my kids one day.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

داستان های فولکلور آفریقایی که خوندنش واسه خوابوندن بچه ها فوق العاده عالیه . خوب میشه با این مجموعه که علمی فرهنگی جاپ کرده ارتباط رقرار کرد . فک می کنم یازده جلده . البته دقیق نمی دونم و خیلی هم ارزونه . یه چیزی تو مایه ی داشتان های بز بز قندی و ایناس . اما چیزیش که می تونه واسه افراد بزرگسال درش جالب باشه اساطیری هست که هر منطقه از دنیا توی داستاناشون دارن . مث اساطیر هندی ، آفریقایی ، سنگالی ، اسکاندیناویایی و الخ . به هر حال خوب بود . یه جورایی من رو یاد کتاب گل به صنوبر چه کرد . مجموعه داستانایی که وقتی بچه بودم عاشقشون بودم . مزیت دیگه ای هم که داره کوتاه بودن هر یک از داستانهاست . شاید هر کدوم بین هشت تا دوازده صفحه س.

[Reanna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: 5th–8th
Genre: Folklore/Mythology
The author retells myths, offering insight into the rich cultural heritage and values of the continent. The stories explore themes such as creation, morality, bravery, and human relationships, often involving animals, gods, and legendary figures. Each tale reflects the customs and beliefs of the cultures it represents, providing a fascinating glimpse into Africa's diverse storytelling traditions. This book is definitely very interesting and fascinating, I recommend reading this book to learn more about Africa’s traditions.

[Mikah Wonders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I read it for research purposes to write a fantasy book I’m doing. I only wish it had a detailed description of the purpose behind those myths and legends and where they really deeply stemmed from I wanted a bit more on the belief system of the myths - you kind of have to put that together for yourself but all it all good book! Would recommend to anyone interested in learning about African myths and legends.

[Alan Bach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of tales from different Africab cultures of how things came to be. Unlike some books with similar premises that I've read the stories in this one mostly didn't break my sense of disbelief, and were eloquently written.

[Nevanthri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of short stories. I really enjoyed reading them.

[Rachel (Sfogs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book to read!

[Amira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of stories that can be compared to the fables of Aesop. The touch upon the many lessons of life and how to be a better person. The story of The Superman touches upon the acts of humility and to remind one that no matter how much you think you are top dog, there will always be some one a bit better then you.
I mainly bought this book for the many stories about Spider.

[Tippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many wonderful stories, often with important morals, mostly involving animals. In one of my favorites, there is a drum that when beaten will provide an infinite amount of delicious food-except when the drum owner walks over a stick and then instead of food, 300 warriors come out and beat the hell out of the drum holder. Love it.

[Randy · Rating 1 out of 5]

African Myths and Legends is not a good book, I know it's about myths and legends but the stories in the book are just so far from the American stories I learned growing up and in school. Also this book is not interesting because it talks about the same animals and people over and over again. Overall this African Myths and Legends is not a good book.

[Xavier]

Handful of Beniseeds
Taking a handful of Beniseeds
You must be the thief
of course...
he soon thought of away
You have the evidence all
around you, can't deny it

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of myths and legends from African designed for juvenile readers. I really like it. The stories are short with interesting morals.