Listen—do you hear the evening wind howl and the lazy crickets calling? It’s almost that special time: storytime!

Folklore includes the stories, legends, and superstitions of a specific ethnic group. In Igbo culture, as in many African societies, storytelling is a special and important tradition that passes down a community’s customs from one generation to the next. These stories keep ancient history, wisdom, and knowledge alive. They also teach morals and virtues, especially to young listeners.

I am fortunate to remember some of the stories my Grandma shared with me. I was close to the older folks in my community, and it seemed I learned quickly from them. I loved—and still adore—rural life. During school holidays, I would travel with my aunt to stay with my Grandma (God rest their souls). I learned rodent hunting, swimming, wrestling, and other games from boys my age. Life in the countryside was simple, and I savored every moment.

I remember one time when, in the rush of packing, I forgot all my shorts except the ones I wore during travel. Since my Grandma had no boys and couldn’t give me more, I was made to wear skirts. It still makes me laugh when I think about running around the neighborhood with the other kids in a red skirt! I was small, came from the city, but I preferred wearing a skirt over running around naked. My family teases me about it even now, calling me “Mr. Piper” after the Scottish wrestler who wears a kilt, and we laugh about it every time.

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Most stories are usually told in the evening after dinner. In both extended and nuclear families, storytelling often happens outside near a charcoal fire, under a tree’s shade, on a moonlit night. For larger audiences, the story might take place in the village square. The storyteller is typically an elder, while the young children sit quietly, listening and watching. I believe this is where my love for storytelling and African folklore first started.

Learn more about Igbo culture here.

In Igbo stories, the Tortoise is often the main character—or sometimes the trickster villain. He is clever, sneaky, and sometimes unlucky. According to my Grandma and aunt, Alibo is the Tortoise’s wife. I cannot remember their son’s name, but that doesn’t matter. Other important characters appear in African folklore: the dog, snake, boar, elephant, lion, crocodile, cricket, leopard, and many more. Each has a different name, although names may vary between ethnic groups.

I hope you enjoy these nostalgic tales. Welcome, once again, to the world of Igbo storytelling.

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