Selections from “Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria,” Part 1 of 2

Nigeria is an ancient land with a tapestry of civilizations, kingdoms, states, and empires stretching back to time immemorial. Today, there are over 200 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. Storytellers and elders have passed down traditional folktales for generations, filled with wisdom and moral lessons, serving as the backbone of the community. Divinity and creation stories abound; the animal-people talk, and humans learn to navigate the universe with humility, courage, honesty, and reverence for the Creator.

Today, we are pleased to present selections from the book “Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria” by Elphinstone Dayrell, beginning with folktales that explain why we see the Sun, the Moon, and lightning in the sky, as well as why we hear thunder with lightning.

Why the Sun and the Moon live in the Sky

“Many years ago, the Sun and water were great friends, and both lived on the Earth together. The Sun very often used to visit the water, but the water never returned his visits. At last, the Sun asked the water why […] he never came to see him in his house. The water replied that the Sun’s house was not big enough, and that if he came with his people, he would drive the Sun out. He then said, ‘If you wish me to visit you, you must build a very large compound; but I warn you that it will have to be a tremendous place, as my people are very numerous, and take up a lot of room.’

The Sun promised to build a very big compound, and soon afterward, he returned home to his wife, the Moon, who greeted him with a broad smile when he opened the door. The Sun told the Moon what he had promised the water, and the next day commenced building a huge compound in which to entertain his friend.

When it was completed, he asked the water to come and visit him the next day. When the water arrived, he called out to the Sun and asked him whether it would be safe for him to enter, and the Sun answered, ‘Yes, come in, my friend.’ The water then began to flow in, accompanied by the fish and all the water animals. Very soon, the water was knee-deep, so he asked the Sun if it was still safe, and the Sun again said, ‘Yes,’ so more water came in. […]”

Next, let’s continue with a folktale explaining why flies often hover near the eyes of the cow-people.