Notable Folktales to Know for African American Literature – Before 1900

Notable folktales in African American literature before 1900 showcase clever characters and rich storytelling. These tales reflect themes of resistance, resilience, and cultural identity, offering moral lessons while critiquing social injustices faced by African Americans throughout history.

1. Br'er Rabbit tales

   • Feature a clever rabbit who uses wit and cunning to outsmart larger and stronger animals.
   • Reflect themes of resistance and survival in the face of oppression.
   • Serve as a vehicle for moral lessons and social commentary on the African American experience.

2. John and Old Master stories

   • Center around the relationship between a slave named John and his master, often highlighting the absurdities of slavery.
   • Use humor and irony to critique the institution of slavery and the dynamics of power.
   • Illustrate the resilience and resourcefulness of enslaved individuals.

3. The Signifying Monkey

   • A tale that involves a monkey who uses clever wordplay and wit to outsmart other animals, particularly the lion.
   • Represents the art of "signifying," a form of verbal play and cultural expression in African American communities.
   • Highlights themes of intelligence, social hierarchy, and the power of language.

4. High John the Conqueror stories

   • Feature a legendary figure who embodies strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome adversity.
   • Often serve as a symbol of hope and empowerment for African Americans.
   • Reflect the cultural significance of folklore in preserving history and identity.

5. Anansi the Spider tales

   • Focus on Anansi, a trickster figure who often uses his intelligence to navigate challenges and teach lessons.
   • Originates from West African folklore, showcasing the blend of African traditions in American storytelling.
   • Emphasize themes of cunning, resourcefulness, and the importance of storytelling.

6. The Flying Africans

   • A folktale about enslaved Africans who gain the ability to fly, symbolizing freedom and escape from bondage.
   • Represents the desire for liberation and the spiritual connection to African heritage.
   • Serves as a metaphor for hope and the quest for autonomy.

7. Stagolee (Stagger Lee) legends

   • Revolve around the character of Stagolee, a figure who embodies defiance and resistance against oppression.
   • Often depict themes of violence, justice, and the struggle for dignity.
   • Reflect the complexities of African American identity and the legacy of violence in folklore.

8. The Tar Baby story

   • Involves a trick played by Br'er Rabbit on Br'er Fox using a tar figure to ensnare him.
   • Illustrates themes of cleverness, entrapment, and the consequences of underestimating others.
   • Serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and deception.

9. Uncle Remus tales

   • A collection of stories narrated by an old former slave, featuring Br'er Rabbit and other animal characters.
   • Highlight the oral tradition of storytelling and the transmission of cultural values.
   • Reflect the complexities of race relations and the nostalgia for a pre-Civil War South.

10. The Talking Skull

    • A tale that involves a skull that can speak and reveal truths, often related to death and the afterlife.
    • Explores themes of mortality, wisdom, and the supernatural.
    • Serves as a reminder of the importance of ancestral knowledge and the connection to the past.