Tales Of Land Of Death - Igbo Folk Tales
By Uche Okeke
A publication of Zenith Books, Doubleday & Company, New York City, USA
1971
Tales of Land of Death: Igbo Folk Tales is a remarkable collection of traditional Igbo folktales compiled and illustrated by Uche Okeke. Published in 1971, the book preserves oral narratives that have been passed down through generations and highlights the richness of Igbo storytelling traditions. Through a diverse collection of tales, Okeke captures the moral lessons, cultural values, humour, imagination, and wisdom embedded within Igbo society.
Written for both younger and adult readers, the publication reflects Okeke's lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Nigerian cultural heritage. By recording these stories in print, he ensured that an important body of indigenous knowledge would remain accessible to future generations both within Nigeria and internationally.
Published by Zenith Books, Doubleday & Company, New York City, USA
Language: English
114 Pages
ISBN: 9780385080859 / 0385080859
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Overview of Tales of Land of Death: Igbo Folk Tales
This collection brings together forty traditional Igbo folktales that were historically used to educate younger generations about human behaviour, morality, wisdom, courage, and community values. The stories draw upon the rich oral traditions of Igboland and feature memorable characters including animals, spirits, tricksters, heroes, and ordinary villagers whose experiences communicate important life lessons.
As both an artist and cultural advocate, Uche Okeke understood the importance of preserving oral traditions at a time when rapid social change threatened the survival of indigenous storytelling practices. This publication serves as both a literary collection and a valuable record of Igbo cultural heritage.
Key themes include:
• Traditional Igbo folklore and oral storytelling traditions.
• Moral lessons and social values passed between generations.
• The relationship between the human, animal, and spirit worlds.
• Community, responsibility, and cultural identity.
• Indigenous knowledge systems and wisdom traditions.
• The preservation of Nigerian cultural heritage through storytelling.
Contents & Highlights
The publication contains forty traditional Igbo folktales accompanied by illustrations by Uche Okeke. The stories demonstrate the creativity and depth of Igbo oral literature while offering readers insight into the beliefs, customs, humour, and worldview of Igbo communities.
The book includes:
• Forty traditional Igbo folktales collected from oral sources.
• Stories featuring animals, spirits, heroes, and mythical beings.
• Narratives used to teach moral and social values.
• Illustrations by Uche Okeke.
• Cultural insights into Igbo traditions, beliefs, and community life.
• A valuable literary record of Nigerian folklore and oral heritage.
