West African Folk-Tales. Summary of the book.

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West African Folk-Tales: Summary of the Book

What Is West African Folk-Tales?

West African Folk-Tales is a book written by E.T.C. Werner, an English folklorist and anthropologist, that was published in 1932. It contains a collection of folk-tales from West Africa, retold in a modern style.

The stories contained in the book are primarily from the Yoruba, Ewe, and Dagomba peoples of West Africa. Werner compiled the stories from oral sources, as they were told by local storytellers. He then wrote them down, and included his own interpretations in the form of notes and commentaries.

The stories contained in West African Folk-Tales are designed to teach readers about the culture, beliefs, and customs of the region. They are full of wit and humor, and often feature larger-than-life characters and magical events.

Plot Summary

West African Folk-Tales is a collection of stories that revolve around the themes of myth, magic, and morality.

The book begins with the tale of Anansi, a trickster spider-god who outwits his adversaries and charms his victims. The story of Anansi is followed by tales of other mythical creatures, such as a talking snake, a giant bird, and a giant fish. These tales often feature characters who must outwit their adversaries in order to survive.

Other stories in the book feature characters who must use their wits and morality to overcome obstacles. In one story, a young man must overcome a series of tests in order to win the hand of a princess. In another, a young girl must outwit a wicked witch in order to reclaim her lost fortune.

The stories in West African Folk-Tales are full of humor, adventure, and moral lessons. They are designed to teach readers about the culture, beliefs, and customs of the region.

Interesting Facts

  • West African Folk-Tales was one of the first books to introduce African folk-tales to a Western audience. It has been translated into multiple languages and is still widely read today.
  • The stories in the book are compiled from oral sources. Werner listened to storytellers in West Africa and wrote down their tales, as well as adding his own commentaries and interpretations.
  • The stories in the book are designed to teach readers about the culture, beliefs, and customs of the region. They are full of wit and humor, and often feature larger-than-life characters and magical events.

FAQs

Q: Who wrote West African Folk-Tales?
A: The book was written by E.T.C. Werner, an English folklorist and anthropologist.

Q: When was West African Folk-Tales published?
A: The book was published in 1932.

Q: What are the stories in West African Folk-Tales about?
A: The stories in the book are primarily about myth, magic, and morality. They feature characters who must outwit their adversaries and use their wits and morality to overcome obstacles.

Q: What are the themes of West African Folk-Tales?
A: The stories in the book are designed to teach readers about the culture, beliefs, and customs of the region. They are full of wit and humor, and often feature larger-than-life characters and magical events.

Q: What are some interesting facts about West African Folk-Tales?
A: West African Folk-Tales was one of the first books to introduce African folk-tales to a Western audience. It has been translated into multiple languages and is still widely read today. The stories in the book are compiled from oral sources. Werner listened to storytellers in West Africa and wrote down their tales, as well as adding his own commentaries and interpretations.

West African Folk-Tales is an interesting and informative book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is full of wit, humor, and moral lessons, and it provides insight into the culture, beliefs, and customs of the region. Whether you are looking for a fun read or an educational experience, West African Folk-Tales is sure to satisfy.

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