Anansi the Spider is the central character in African folktales of the Ashanti people of Ghana. These tales were also spread to the Caribbean by the slave trade from Africa. Anansi is a trickster, a rascal, and an animal with human traits. These entertaining tales are filled with humor and all-too-human behaviors.
Also question is, what is Anansi?
Anansi (/??n??nsi/ ?-NAHN-see; literally translates to spider) is an Akan folktale character. He often takes the shape of a spider and is sometimes considered to be a god of all knowledge of stories.
In respect to this, what is the moral lesson of Anansi the spider?
Anansi the Spider raises philosophical questions about the nature of reciprocity and its relationship to fairness. Anansi the spider is an African folktale character who is associated with skill and wisdom and often triumphs over foes larger than he.
Why does Anansi spider have 8 thin legs?
Anansi dragged himself towards the river and jumped into the water so that all of his webs would be washed from his legs. One by one the webs released their grip on his legs until the greedy spider was finally able to climb back onto the riverbank. … And that is why Anansi has eight skinny legs.
Are tricksters evil?
Tricksters are mischievous characters throughout folklore and myth which have a secret knowledge or power. … One thing we must remember about a trickster is that they are not evil, per se. Tricksters can be evil by our modern definition, but more often are simply enjoying the chaos they create.
What animals did Anansi have to trick?
But Anansi was very happy. He couldn’t wait to play his trick again. He played it on Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus. He played it on Giraffe and Zebra.
Who is the god Anansi?
Anansi the trickster is a West African God. He often takes the shape of a spider and is considered to be the god of all knowledge of stories. He is also one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore. The Anansi tales are believed to have originated in the Ashanti people in Ghana.
