Tortoise

Scientific Family: Testudinidae

Stories Featuring This Animal
  • How the Tortoise Got Its Shell
  • The Tortoise's Race with the Elephant
  • The Tortoise's Judgment
  • The Tortoise and the Elephant's Drum
  • The Dog's False Accusation
  • The Tortoise and the Falling Sky
  • The Tortoise Wins the Bride
  • The Tortoise Who Wanted to Fly
  • The Tortoise and the Leopard's Singing Contest
  • The Tortoise and the Leopard's Wrestling Match
  • The Hare and the Tortoise's Race
  • Why the Tortoise Has a Patchwork Shell
  • How the Tortoise Captured the Leopard
  • Why the Dog is the Friend of Man
  • The Goat and the Leopard's Visit
  • The Tortoise's Song
  • The Tortoise and the Boastful Eagle
  • The Elephant and the Tortoise's Race
  • The Tortoise Who Carried a Man to the Sky
  • The Tortoise's Tug-of-War
  • The Dog and the Tortoise's Friendship
  • Why the Tortoise Carries His House
  • Ijapa and the Pot of Wisdom
  • Ijapa and the Empty Bride Box
  • How the Tortoise Became King for a Day
  • Ijapa the Farmer
  • Ijapa's Talking Skull
  • How Ijapa Brought the Yam to the World
  • How Ijapa Lost His Hair
  • Ijapa and the Snail's Wedding
  • How Ijapa Won the Oba's Daughter
  • The Tortoise and the King's Wisdom
  • The Hare and the Tortoise's Race
  • The Giraffe and the Tortoise's Argument
  • The Tortoise and the Duiker's Farm
  • The Tortoise Who Outsmarted the Moran
  • Mbe and the Dog's Singing Contest
  • Mbe and the Singing Contest in the Sky
  • Mbe and the Feast in the Sky
  • Mbe and the Squirrel's Granary
  • Mbe and the Magical Drum
  • Mbe and the Dog's Funeral
  • Mbe and the Magical Drum
  • Mbe and the Dog's Funeral
  • How Mbe Won a Chieftaincy Title
  • Mbe and the Singing Bird
  • How Mbe Won a Chieftaincy Title
  • Mbe and the Singing Bird
  • Mbe and the Pot of Beans
  • Mbe and the Talking Frog
Common Themes
  • Deception and its consequences 4
  • Cleverness and problem-solving 3
  • Intelligence and cooperation overcoming brute strength 3
  • Greed and Trickery 2
  • Deception and Wisdom 2
  • Cunning and Betrayal 2
  • Greed and Deception 2
  • Deception and Greed 2
  • Pride and ingratitude 2
  • Understanding and respecting one's role 2
  • Justice and Fairness 2
  • Vanity and Pride 2
  • Betrayal and Consequences 2
  • The dangers of greed and disrespecting nature 2
  • Pride and Greed 2
  • Cleverness and Cunning 1
  • Betrayal and Deception 1
  • Understanding and appreciating one's role 1
  • Deception and the pursuit of power 1
  • Courage and Self-Sacrifice 1
  • Responsibility and Consequences 1
  • Pride and Vanity 1
  • The dangers of greed and disrespect 1
  • Cunning and resourcefulness 1
  • Betrayal and Revenge 1
  • Wisdom and Pride 1
  • Respect for all, regardless of size or strength 1
  • Power and Greed 1
  • Humility and Adaptability 1
  • Deceit and Consequences 1
  • Trickery and consequences 1
Cultural Groups
  • Igbo 18
  • Yoruba 13
  • Akan 3
  • Aja 2
  • Mijikenda 2
  • Bagyeli 1
  • Bambara 1
  • Chewa 1
  • Ewe 1
  • Fang 1
  • Fon 1
  • San 1
  • Shona 1
  • Sukuma 1
  • Tswana 1
  • Zulu 1
  • Samburu 1