Africa: Myths and Legends by Alice Werner

Many of the stories in this extraordinary collection of myths and legends from all corners of southern Africa have similarities to Western tales. This is no accident since the stories of Uncle Remus, Brer Rabbit and Aesop's Fables are thought to have originated in Africa.

Zulu tales portray many familiar figures - warriors rescuing beautiful maidens, lost children, ogres, witches and wizards. Animals feature in many stories - the hare is favoured by the Bantu, whilst tales from other tribes feature the antelope, lion, elephant and the jackal. There is even a strong prototype from north-eastern Africa for Tom Thumb.

Because the influence of the dead upon the living is a strong belief in these cultures the spirits are consulted before any important task is embarked upon. There are naturally many tales of ghosts, particularly those concerning ancestors.

Alice Werner's book is a fascinating journey into the African continent that reveals some unexpected influences on Western life and thought.