Index

There are many characters who are very famous in their folktales of the world. Many have names while some don’t. Here are given the names of some of the characters which are very famous in their homeland…

Anansi (Spider)

He is known as Ananse, Egya, Gizo (in Hausa Tribe in Northern Nigeria), Tarantula and Nihankan (in Northern America). Their many folktales are found there.

Asso

Asso is Anansi Spider’s wife in Hausa Tribe in Northern Nigeria.

Baba Yaga

A Russian character, normally a cruel witch. There are many tales about her

Egya Anansi

Egya Anansi is another name of Anansi Spider

Firebird

In Slavic folklore, the Firebird is a magical glowing bird from a faraway land, which is both a blessing and a bringer of doom to its captor. The Firebird is described as a large bird with majestic plumage that glows brightly emitting red, orange, and yellow light, like a bonfire that is just past the turbulent flame. The feathers do not cease glowing if removed, and one feather can light a large room if not concealed. In later iconography, the form of the Firebird is usually that of a smallish fire-colored peacock, complete with a crest on its head and tail feathers with glowing “eyes”. That is also a very common character in Slavonic folktales.

Gizo

Name of Anansi Spider in Hausa Tribe in Northern Nigeria. Asso is his wife.

Keema (Monkey)

Keema is the name of the monkey in Eastern and Southern African countries’ folktales.

Kuma

Anansi Spider’s younger son. His elder son’s name is Ntikuma.

Kwaku Anansi

The name of Anansi’s younger son. Sometimes Kwaku Anansi or Kweku Anansi is used as Anansi’s name too.

Neeoka Mkoo

Name of the python living in Zanzibar (Tanzania) folktales.

Ntikuma

Anansi Spider’s elder son. His younger son’s name is Kuma.

Simba

Simba or Simba Kongway is the name of lion in Eastern and Southern African countries’ folktales.

Simba Kongwe   see   Simba

Yarilo

Yarilo is the Sun God in Russian folktales.

Yatagarasu

The three-legged (or tripedal) crow is a creature found in various mythologies and arts of East Asia. It was originated in China. The Chinese have several versions of crow and crow-sun tales. But the most popular depiction and myth of the Sun crow is that of the Yangwu or Jinwu or “golden crow”.  It is believed by East Asian cultures to inhabit and represent the Sun. It has also been found figured on ancient coins from Lycia and Pamphylia. Three-legged crow originated in China. Evidence of the earliest bird-Sun motif on totemic articles was excavated around 5000 BC from the lower Yangtze River delta area. Both the Japan Football Association and subsequently its administered teams such as the Japan national football team use the symbol of Yatagarasu in their emblems and badges respectively.

Yen Lo Wan

The Emperor of the Sea in China