The Cunning Weasel

When the weasel demands a most extraordinary swaddling-cloth for her newborn — nothing less than the skin of an elephant — her bewildered husband thinks she has taken leave of her senses. But the weasel has a plan, and she sets it in motion with a few quiet, well-chosen words to a worm, a hen, a cat, a dog, and a lion in turn. A delicious tale from the Nubian tradition, of patience, mischief, and a cunning that turns the whole animal kingdom into one creature's unwitting tools.

A traditional tale from the Nubian tradition.

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 The World Story Bank is an initiative of the Scheherazade Foundation, gathering the folktales of the world, protecting them, and rewilding them back into modern culture. To hear more and support our work, visit https://www.sf.charity/world-story-bank

The Tortoise with the Pretty Daughter

A powerful king, displeased that his son scorns all fifty of the wives chosen for him, makes a terrible law: any girl found more beautiful than the prince's wives shall be killed, along with her mother and father. So when the wise old tortoise and his wife have a daughter of rare beauty, they live in dread of the day she might catch the prince's eye. And then, one day, the prince comes hunting near their home. A warm and satisfying tale from southern Nigeria, of beauty, danger, and a father's wisdom rewarded.

A traditional tale from southern Nigeria.

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 The World Story Bank is an initiative of the Scheherazade Foundation, gathering the folktales of the world, protecting them, and rewilding them back into modern culture. To hear more and support our work, visit https://www.sf.charity/world-story-bank