Mythological Africans
Mythological Africans Podcast
Ila Folklore
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Ila Folklore

The Ila people are found in Zambia. They are also known as the Baila, Sukulumbwe, or Shukulumbwe. We read 4 stories:

  • The Explanation for the Origin of Murder

  • The Man and the Mushrooms

  • A Man and His Mother

  • How Two Men Had a Dispute

These stories are quite dark! They explore the themes of betrayal, murder, revenge and regrets, offering a fascinating glimpse into some Ila perspectives on morality.

The Explanation for the Origin of Murder and The Man and the Mushrooms have versions in folklore from other African people, India and Europe. How Two Men Had a Dispute is a dilemma tale, intended to provoke discussion. Dilemma Tales are riddles with no one acceptable answer. They present an opportunity for those present to think analytically and logically. Dilemma Tales are common in folklore from the continent.

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Chief Shaloba of the Ila

More about the Ila people.

Story Source:

The Ila-speaking Peoples of Northern Rhodesia by Edwin William Smith and Andrew Murray Dale

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Mythological Africans
Mythological Africans Podcast
The Mythological Africans Podcast features live recordings of the Mythological Africans Twitter Spaces Storytime sessions, public talks, and episodes of the Mythological Africans Deep Dive series which you can watch on YouTube. Join us to delve into the rich diversity of oral traditions and worldviews from the African continent, and discover the intricate and textured African mythic imagination.