In The Watkins Book of African Folklore, Helen Nde takes readers on a journey across Africa, introducing them to 50 captivating stories that reflect the continent’s rich history, culture, and mythology.

The book is divided into three sections: Creation Myths, Foundation Legends, Genealogies and Histories; Human Relationships and Institutions; and Animal Tales. These sections form the three primary types and functions of folk tales. We turn to folk tales to understand the world and how it came to be, to understand and allegorize our social relationships, and to learn about our environments.

One of the standout aspects of The Watkins Book of African Folklore is the geographical breadth of the stories it encompasses. Nde takes readers from the deserts of Algeria to the lush landscapes of Tanzania, offering a panoramic view of Africa’s cultural and geographical variety. The stories range from the origin tales of ancient civilizations to fables about human relationships and animal adventures, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of African storytellers.

Nde, a noted folklorist brings her expertise and passion for African mythology to this comprehensive anthology. Nde enriches the collection with historical context, highlighting how colonialism and external influences shaped the folklore of various African regions. Her insightful commentary adds depth to each tale, allowing readers to better understand the broader historical and cultural forces at play.

The editorial notes are precise, offering insights into the often numerous sources from which the folk tale is drawn. Nde further offers relevant linguistic and cultural information such as notes on translations, geographical features that help contextualize the story, and analyses of the story’s motifs as they occur in other places. She even draws in the expertise of other scholars to supplement her notes, indicating the depth of her careful research.

The Watkins Book of African Folklore offers a fresh and essential perspective on African storytelling, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the continent’s diverse cultures and histories, for both scholars and lovers of folk tales. With Nde’s expert guidance, readers can explore the enchanting and multifaceted world of African folklore, discovering timeless tales that continue to shape the cultural landscape of the continent.

Helen Nde runs the Mythological Africans website and community, widely regarded as an essential resource for the exploration of African folklore and mythology. She also provides research and reference services on African mythology and culture. Born in Cameroon, she is now based in Dallas, Texas in the United States.