Charis welcomes Helen Nde in conversation with Dr. Y. “Falami” Devoe for a celebration of The Watkins Book of African Folklore. Combining vivid storytelling, astonishing imagination and careful research, this is the ultimate collection of African folklore, with 50 entertaining tales and commentary from noted folklorist Helen Nde, presented in a beautiful, foiled gift package.

From creation myths and foundation legends to fascinating stories of human relationships and amusing animal tales, these stories provide a diverse look at the countries and cultures across the African continent. Noted folklorist Helen Nde also provides marvellous context for history and colonial influences for the stories.

Read 50 stories that take you north to Egypt, west to Sierra Leone, east to Somalia, south to South Africa and many places in-between. Discover the geographical and cultural variety of the continent with stories such as:

FROM ALGERIA: "The Story of the First Man and Woman", who meet when they struggle over access to a well, but go on to have 100 children and start the human race.

FROM SUDAN: "Okwa and the River Maiden", a tale about the great-grandson of the first man who seeks the river spirit's approval to marry two river maidens, half women and half crocodiles.

FROM ZIMBABWE: "The Moon and His Wives", a story about the first man who pleads with the creator to become mortal and go to earth, where the first star becomes his companion.

FROM GHANA: "How Goat Caused a War" by tricking the Supreme Being and giving his holy message to the wrong prince.

FROM TANZANIA: "The Singing Kaguru Birds", who offer help and riches to poor folk in exchange for a strict rule or even a trick.

Carefully researched and vividly retold these stories represent a vital and fresh perspective on African Folktales for anyone interested in folktales, mythology and storytelling from around the world.

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. The Watkins Book of African Folklore is her first book.

Dr. Y. “Falami” Devoe also known as “Dr. Falami” is a Public Speaker, Poet, Space Holder, and Self-Care Ritualist. She is passionate about facilitating and curating’ intentional spaces for authentic dialogue, self-reflection, and community building. Dr. Falami specializes in community conversations with higher education institutions, secondary institutions, and nonprofit organizations. She is a Womanist Scholar and author of the self-published Self-Care Ritualist Journal.

She is an Awo'nIfa in the West African Orisa Religious Tradition; Ifa. Dr. Falami is the Founder and the Self-Care Ritualist of Dr. Falami, LLC, a private well-being practice offering coaching, well-being retreats, sound healing, and reiki modalities.

The event is free and open to all people, but we encourage and appreciate a donation of $5-20 in support of the work of Charis Circle, our programming non-profit. Donate on crowdcast or via our website: www.chariscircle.org/donate or in person at the event.


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The Watkins Book of African Folklore: Helen Nde in conversation with Dr. Y. “Falami” Devoe