Folktales by Firelight
Folktales by Firelight delivers African folktales, fables, legends, proverbs, and Black and African historical stories and biographies from across Africa and the diaspora. Each episode blends immersive narration with ambient sound to honor African oral tradition, ancestral wisdom, and cultural storytelling. Perfect for fans of African stories, bedtime folktales, Black history, audio dramas, and family-friendly podcasts. 🎧 Find more and support the show: https://folktalesbyfirelight.substack.com/
Episodes
In this playful yet powerful origin tale from the heart of Africa, young Tembo the elephant just can't stop asking questions. But when one bold question leads him face-to-face with a clever crocodile… the world changes forever.
Discover how the mighty elephant got its long trunk — not through battle, but through curiosity, courage, and a little bit of monkey business.
This immersive, poetic narration is perfect for:
– Fans of...
In this richly woven West African folktale, a simple lie sets off a chain reaction through the animal kingdom — ending in tragedy, justice, and a mystery explained.
Why does the mosquito buzz in your ear? Because it can’t forget what its’s done.
This immersive narration explores:
– The power of words and consequences
– Animal logic and village justice
– Cultural wisdom passed through generations
Perfect for lovers of:
– A...
Journey into the heart of East Africa with this rich and riveting retelling of how the leopard earned its iconic spots. In a world where pride once hunted in golden light, a bold hunter named Banzi must learn patience, humility, and the true power of silence.
🎙️ Told in the lyrical style of traditional oral storytelling, this folktale is perfect for:
– Lovers of African folklore and myth
– ASMR and ambient audio fans
– Te...
What happens when the world’s most mischievous spider tries to steal wisdom? In this magical retelling, Anansi discovers that some treasures talk back — and not everything clever is wise.
Follow Anansi’s hilarious misadventure with a talking gourd from Ashanti folklore that teaches him a lesson he won’t soon forget.
🎙️ Part trickster tale, part transformation — this episode is perfect for:
– Fans of African folklore and trickster...
🌍 From the heart of West Africa comes the story of Zari, a poor girl whose kindness awakens a mystical calabash — a gourd that grants food and water to those who give more than they take.
In a time of drought and silence, one child’s quiet courage sparks a village’s transformation.
Told in the warm rhythm of African oral tradition, this 10-minute story is perfect for fans of folktales, bedtime stories, ASMR narration, and moral stor...
In this extended African folktale, we journey across golden deserts with Mansa Musa, the legendary king of Mali. From a humble student to the richest man in history, this mythic tale follows his epic pilgrimage, whispered trials, and legacy of wisdom.
Told with immersive storytelling, rich sound design, and firelight rhythm—perfect for all lovers of folklore, Black history, and timeless tales.
🔥 Subscribe for more: https://folktales...
🔥 Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — retold in 10 minutes through the warmth of folktale storytelling.
In this poetic summary, we walk with Olanna, Odenigbo, and Ugwu through love, betrayal, and war during the rise and fall of Biafra.
This is a literary summary and book review, reimagined as a story told by the firelight — with rhythm, emotion, and care.
🎧 Perfect for:
– Students and readers looking for a quick, m...
🔥 Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe — retold in 10 minutes as a powerful folktale that echoes through time.
Welcome to Folktales by Firelight, where African literature also comes alive through immersive storytelling. In this episode, we reimagine the rise and fall of Okonkwo, the proud warrior of Umuofia — a tale of strength, pride, and cultural upheaval.
🎧 Looking for a book review or summary of Things Fall Apart?
This isn’t a re...
Why is the sky so far away? In this beautifully told African folktale, we journey to a time when the sky hovered close to the people—until their noise, fire, and forgetfulness pushed it higher and higher. A poetic tale about reverence, gratitude, and the cost of neglecting the world around us.
A gentle, reflective story perfect for bedtime, family listening, classrooms, and lovers of nature-centered mythology.
In this witty East African folktale, a hungry lion demands that one animal sacrifice itself to him each day. But when it’s the clever hare’s turn, he uses his wit and courage to turn the tables—proving that even the smallest voice can outsmart the fiercest beast.
A timeless tale of trickery, bravery, and brains over brawn—perfect for families, bedtime listening, and fans of African oral storytelling.
đź“© Contact: folktalesbyfirelight....
In this heartwarming Ethiopian folktale, a stepmother named Mimi sets out on a brave and tender quest to win the love of her silent stepson. Guided by an old healer, she must earn a living lion’s whisker—proving that true love, like wisdom, is gained not by magic, but through patience, courage, and kindness.
This immersive tale blends African oral tradition with soulful narration, perfect for family listening, bedtime, and cultural ...
Why the Tortoise Has a Cracked Shell is a classic folktale from Nigeria.
In this episode of Folktales by Firelight, we follow a clever tortoise who tricks the birds into letting him join a feast in the sky — but his greed brings him a hard and painful fall.
This story teaches a timeless lesson about honesty, trust, and consequences — told in the vibrant voice of African oral storytelling.
Ideal for fans of African folktales, kids&...
Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom is a legendary Ashanti folktale from Ghana, featuring one of Africa’s most beloved trickster figures — Anansi the spider.
In this episode of Folktales by Firelight, gather close as we follow Anansi’s quest to collect all the wisdom in the world and hide it for himself. But as always, the trickster is about to be outwitted — by the very lesson he’s trying to control.
This story explores the deeper truth th...
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