Founding Mothers

We’re back from last week’s brief hiatus and just in time to continue the exploration of how mythology and folklore shows up in modern African literature. In this week’s episode, and possibly for the next couple of weeks, we’ll be exploring the very interesting phenomenon of the women founders of certain groups and clans on the African continent. We’ll start with an account of the Akan foundation legend from “Daughters of Anowa: African Women and Patriarchy” by Ghanaian theological anthropologist Mercy Odudoye. We’ll also hear about other women-led foundation legends from “The Runaway Princess and Other Stories” (my self-published book which you can now read for free on the Internet Archive), and my upcoming book “The Watkins Book Of African Folklore”.Mythological Africans is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Meanwhile…Have you heard? “The Watkins Book of African Folklore” or the “Mythological Africans Book”, is now available for preorder! Click the image for preordering options!ReferencesDaughters of Anowa: African Women and Patriarchy by Mercy Amba OdudoyeGermany to return stolen Ngonnso’ statue to CameroonThe Runaway Princess and Other Stories: One Year AnniversaryQueen Pokou Concerto For A Sacrifice“It Was Too Sweet!” Walking with Two Kormantse Women by Ama Oforiwaa AduonumCan’t Get Enough?Tin Hinan by Rabie BenmokhtarThanks for reading Mythological Africans! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Mythological Africans at mythologicalafricans.substack.com/subscribe