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Reading Notes: West African Folktales-Part A

West African Folktales

I chose to read these stories because I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana, Africa last summer and therefore thought that these would be super interesting. This region of Africa is full of so many different cultures that it contains a plethora of different literature to be explored. 

In these short tales, I enjoyed the way they all contained a deeper meaning. When looking at deeper meanings it forces the reader to actually read and comprehend as opposed to just skimming or they risk missing the main point of the story. These tales also contain imagry that I would not typically think of on my own. Such as using a pot to contain all of the knowledge in the world. Clearly this is not actually a possibility yet the writer makes you feel like it is. The tales were also clever naming the wealthy man 'Nothing', it is quite ironic because those who are extremely wealthy often have anything they want and not nothing. The tales also carry a common character from story to story named Ansai. This would be a unique characteristic to use in my storybook. This may be possible because my overarching theme is beauty and I could possibly use the same character type over all of them. 

Lastly, the folktale Why the Lizard Moves His Head Up and Down, is about 3 daughters that a king has pledged to any man who can learn their names. This story may be one that can be used in my storybook as the suitors are all in the pursuit of winning over a beautiful girl to marry. This particular story also carries with it a vilian and hero that give anther unique touch to my story and aspect that can be used to switch up in anyway that I choose.


(Picture of Lizard from Pixy)



Story Source: West African Folktales by William H. Barker and Cecilia Sinclair
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