Oyebode Ayoola

Parchment-style artwork of a golden mango tree beside a peasant and king, Sri Lankan folktale scene.

The Golden Mango: Sri Lankan Folktale of Purity and Humility

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·South & Central Asian Folktales

In the heart of ancient Sri Lanka, where green fields rippled like waves beneath the sun, there lived a humble peasant. Each morning, he rose before dawn, working the soil with patience and reverence. His fields were small, his hut simple, yet he carried a calm joy born of honest labour and gratitude. One summer day, while wandering along the

Parchment-style artwork of a fisherman facing the makana sea spirit, Maldivian folktale scene.

Asian Folktales·South & Central Asian Folktales

The Obstinate Makana: A Maldivian Folktale That Teaches Lessons on Courage and Respect for Nature

In the calm waters of the southern Maldivian atolls, life followed the rhythm of the tides. The people lived by the sea’s mercy, fishing, mending nets, and whispering prayers before each voyage. Yet beneath those tranquil blue waves lived a mischievous sea spirit, the makana, half-fish, half-spirit, whose joy was

Parchment-style artwork of a woodcutter freeing a silver bird under a tamarind tree, Sri Lankan folktale scene.

The Woodcutter’s Daughter: Sri Lankan Folktale

In the misty valleys of old Sri Lanka, where thick tamarind trees

Parchment-style artwork of a hungry jackal lunging toward palace food beside the royal dog, Sri Lankan folktale scene.

The Jackal and the King’s Dog: A Sri Lankan Folktale of Envy and Wisdom

In a quiet village that nestled near the royal palace of an

Parchment-style artwork of a clever monkey and crocodile by a Sri Lankan river, traditional folktale scene.

The Monkey and the Crocodile: Sri Lankan Folktale

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·South & Central Asian Folktales

Along the banks of a tranquil river in Sri Lanka, where tall palms swayed and birds sang in the heat of the afternoon, there lived a lively monkey. His home was high in a fruit-laden tree that leaned over the shimmering waters. Each day, he feasted on ripe, golden fruit