The Clever Fox of Herat
A cunning fox outwits the powerful and the greedy in the ancient city of Herat.
Top Folktale Stories on GatherTales
Passed down through generations, folktales are traditional stories rooted in cultural beliefs and values. They often feature ordinary people or animals facing challenges, with lessons about morality and life's wisdom woven into the narrative.
The Cunning Hyena and the Foolish Donkey
A clever hyena and a naïve donkey embark on a series of misadventures, but only one of them ever wins.
Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky
A powerful tale of pride, wisdom, and the forces that shape the heavens.
Anansi and the Magic Calabash
A trickster’s journey to claim ultimate wisdom leads to an unexpected discovery.
Why the Hyena Limps
A cunning Hyena's greed leads him to a lifelong lesson—and a limp that never fades.
The Twin Brothers and the River Spirit
A brother’s love is tested when he dares to defy the wrath of the river spirit.
The Clever Hare and the Python
A clever hare uses his wit to outsmart the mighty python and prove that intelligence is the greatest strength of all.
The Clever Old Woman and the Three Thieves
A clever old woman uses wit to outsmart three greedy thieves in this timeless Kyrgyz folktale.
Why the Giraffe Has a Long Neck
A young giraffe’s journey of perseverance and transformation in the face of hardship.
The Desert Fox and the Foolish Goat
In the heart of the Libyan desert, a cunning fox named Dahhak lures a naïve goat, Maysar, into leaving the safety of his oasis with promises of paradise. But as the journey unfolds, Maysar realizes too late that he has been deceived—and now, he must use his wits to escape the fox’s deadly trap. A tale of trickery, survival, and hard-earned wisdom, The Desert Fox and the Foolish Goat teaches that blind trust can lead to danger, but lessons learned can shape a wiser future.
How the Bat Got Its Wings
How a small creature's determination transformed him into a symbol of courage and resilience.
The Pilaf Thief and the Wise Judge
A savory tale of wit, justice, and a fragrant bowl of pilaf
The Tale of the Talking Fish
A magical fish teaches a kingdom the true meaning of wealth and humility.
The Tale of the King’s Daughters
Three royal sisters defy tradition to follow their dreams and change the fate of their kingdom.
The Tale of the Wooden Fish and the Golden Fish
A humble fisherman’s kindness leads to magical rewards and life-changing choices.
The Tale of the Inugami
A tale of loyalty, vengeance, and redemption set in the mystical mountains of ancient Japan.
The Tale of the Hitotsume-kozou
A thrilling journey into Japan’s mystical world of yōkai and demons.
The Tale of the Shah and the Vizier
A test of wisdom and loyalty in ancient Persia.
The Story of the Zashiki-warashi
A family's fortune turns into a haunting mystery when a protective spirit leaves their home.
The Tale of the Weaving Maiden and the Cowherd
A timeless love defies the heavens and the stars.
The Tale of the Kappa
A young man confronts the legendary Kappa to protect his village in this tale of cunning and courage.
The Story of the Laughing Buddha
The joyful journey of a wandering monk who transformed lives with laughter.
The Tale of the Noppera-bo
A haunting journey through the eerie legend of the faceless Noppera-bō.
The Monkey's Paw
Be careful what you wish for—fate always exacts its price.