Anansi or Ananse, the spider isa famous character form African folklore who told various stories orally. His stories were filled with wisdom and knowledge.

He was an important character in Western African Tales, cunning and full of trickery. The Anansi tales are said to have originated from Ashanti people in Ghana.

But how did Anansi get so many stories in the first place?

In the beginning, there were no stories on the earth and the humans were bored. Anansi wanted to do something about it so he went to meet Nyame, the Sky-God to get the stories. Nyame laughed at his quirky request and said he would give him the stories he brought him Osebo, the leopard, Onini the python, Mmoboro the hornet and Mmoatia the fairy.

Nyame did not expect the Anansi to complete the task since how could a spider captured such ferocious animals?

First, Anansi went to forest and found Onini lying on the ground. He said how Onini is not even as long as a palm branch, Onini overheard his voice and in anger stretched himself across the branch to prove himself. Anansi immediately tied him to the branch and captured him.

Next, Anansi dug a pothole in Osebo’s path and covered it with banana leaves. Osebo fell down and Anansi stepped out of his hiding place and said he will help with out. As soon as Osebo was out, Anansi wrapped with his web.

For capturing Mmobora, Anansi knew the hornet sting was deadly and he could not touch it or pull Mmobori out of the nest. So, he spilled water on the nest with help of banana leaf making hornet think it was raining. Anansi suggested them to get into his empty calabash to help them shield from the rain and he sealed the opening successfully trapping them inside.

At last, Anansi put a doll covered in gum under the Odum (Tree of Life) which was frequented by Mmoatia. Mmoatia saw the doll and tried to talk to her but on getting no response she became angry. She hit the doll and her hand got struck. Momoatia arrested Anansi.

Anansi used his intelligence to win against strength.

He took everyone to Nyame, successfully completing his task. Nyame was surprised but happily gave him the stories. Anansi took the stories and spread it across the world.