Ila Folklore
Mythological Africans PodcastPlay episode
Show notes
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.
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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