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Mythology· Codex · Deity

Anansi

Akan · West Africa

Anansi is one of the most important characters in West African and Caribbean folklore. He is a trickster deity who takes the form of a spider and is considered the keeper of all stories. Anansi tales are among the best-known in West Africa, particularly among the Akan people of Ghana.

Other tellings

3 recorded

Anansi: A Metaphor for Wisdom in African Myth

Mythology· Long-Form Article

Anansi: A Metaphor for Wisdom in African Myth

Anansi, a trickster figure from Ghanian mythology is often depicted as a spider who uses his intelligence and cunning to outsmart his opponents and achieve his goals.

Tales of An Ashanti Father

Mythology· Essay

Tales of An Ashanti Father

A British Chancellor's granddaughter marries into Ashanti aristocracy, and spends fifty years in Kumasi writing down spider stories for children

The Tale of Anansi and Nothing

Mythology· Folktale & Narrative Retelling

The Tale of Anansi and Nothing

A folktale about 'Anansi', the legendary Ghanian god.

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See also

Articles

Tales of An Ashanti Father

Tales of An Ashanti Father

Asase Yaa and the Living Earth: The Akan Earth Goddess and the Ethics of the Ground

Asase Yaa and the Living Earth: The Akan Earth Goddess and the Ethics of the Ground

Ijapa: this is the world. Now how do you move through it?

Ijapa: this is the world. Now how do you move through it?

Codex

Mawu-LisaMythology

· Fon (Benin), Ewe (Togo, Ghana)

· Ewe (Ghana, Togo, Benin)

· Fon (Benin), Yoruba (Nigeria); diaspora to Haiti (Papa Legba), Cuba (Eleggua), Brazil (Exu)

· Akan (Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire)

Podcast

Mythology· Podcast

Anansi: The Trickster god

Mythology· Podcast

The Story of the Goddess Nana Buluku

Mythology· Podcast

Jinns in Northern Nigeria

Challenges

Mythology· Outcome

Who is Your Inner Trickster?

The trickster is the spirit of wit, wisdom, and creative chaos. Answer these questions to reveal the nature of your own inner trickster.

Mythology· Knowledge

Can You Match the Mythological Figure to Their Story?

Think you know African mythology? Match each being to their legend and prove your knowledge.

Mythology· Riddle

My Children Are as Numerous as Fish: Who Am I?

Solve this riddle to prove your knowledge of Mythological figures

Mythology· Riddle

My River Home Is Barred by a Wall of Man: Who Am I?

Test your knowledge of deities, figures and spirits with this riddle