The Legend of Crna Kraljica
The Haunted Queen of Medvedgrad
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 Goat and the Edelweiss Maiden: A Tale of Purity and Resilience
In the misty heights of Swaziland’s mountains, a maiden and her goat safeguard the rare edelweiss, symbols of purity and hope.
La Luchosa: The Owl with a Woman’s Face
In the misty marshlands of the US Southwest, a legendary creature watches over moonlit waters.
Ratoncito Pérez: El Ratón de los Dientes Encantados
A whimsical mouse who trades a child's lost tooth for a secret treasure beneath the pillow.
El Pombro
Muki: The Andean Mine Guardian Dwarf
A haunting Peruvian folktale of a diminutive guardian dwelling in the Andean depths
Intellectual Girl: A Folktale of Wit and Courage from India
A young maiden in ancient India uses quick wit and a fearless heart to outsmart every challenge and restore justice to her village.
Mr. Spider, His Family, and the Dead Elephant: Anansi’s Clever Trick
In a Ghanaian forest, Anansi cleverly outwits the mighty elephant and teaches his family the art of wisdom and resourcefulness.
A True Friend: An Indian Folktale of Loyalty
Two friends embark on a journey that tests their loyalty against deceit and danger under the watchful gaze of fate.
The Roof of Leaves: A Tale of Anger and Forgiveness from the Congo
When conflict brews beneath the green canopy, only forgiveness can calm the storm.
Tansen's Gift: The Mystic Music of India
A gifted musician’s song could calm wild beasts and kindle lamps with a single note.
Land Where No One Ever Dies: An Italian Folk Tale of Mortality
A poetic exploration of mortality and the human heart in a timeless Italian land where death is but a distant whisper.
Stolen Bairn and the Sìdh: A Scottish Folktale of Courage
A mother's unyielding love defies the enchanted folk of the moors to reclaim her child.
The Mill That Ground Out Silver Coins
A spirited trickster stumbles upon a mystic mill that produces silver coins, setting off a whirl of hilarious mischief.
Coward Man and His Enemy – Somali Folktale of Igal Shidad
A witty Somali folktale of Igal Shidad who outwits fear and foes on the desert sands.
The Conceited Cow: An Indian Folktale of Modesty and Wisdom
A boastful cow learns humility after encountering more skilled creatures, teaching the value of modesty.
The Monster Will Sleep in Your Bed
A spooky yet playful Brazilian folktale of the Bicho Papão that encourages children to go to sleep early.
The Dream Diviner and the Snake: An Ancient Iraqi Folktale
A young villager seeks guidance from a revered seer when a serpent from his dreams beckons him toward destiny.
The Weeping Lass at the Crossroads: A Tale of Grief and Grace
A young woman's vigil at a haunted crossroads tests the bounds of mourning.
Khan's Riddles: A Kyrgyz Saga of Love and Wit
In ancient Kyrgyz lands, suitors face the Khan’s cunning riddles to win a lover’s hand.
Silent Princess of Anatolia
A prince braves ancient curses across Anatolian hills to restore his beloved voice.
The Lute Player's Journey Through Shadows and Light
A stirring tale of war, captivity, and the healing power of music in medieval Russia.
The Clever Wife: A Tale of Wit and Love in the Kyrgyz Highlands
A wise woman’s wit saves her marriage and uplifts her community in ancient Kyrgyzstan.
Little Lek Longtail's Nighttime Journey
A gentle tale of determination and nocturnal wonder in a magical Thai setting.