African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Ananse Means Teller of Stories and Spider in Akan

Ananse carrier of messages teller of stories and means spider in Akan. This is why the carrier of messages or stories is usually depicted as a spider.

Ananse Means Teller of Stories and Spider in Akan

Ananse is very clever and can change into many forms of life. Being so clever Awuku also goes by the name Ananse or Anansi the great spider, owner of all of the stories of the Gods, swift messenger of Nyame the sky God who knows all and sees all. Awuku (ah-woo’-koo) is the communicator of information between the mortal and divine. 

The Akan Awuku opens the mouth of the departed so that they may be able to communicate with Gods. Awuku is also known as the creator of clever and cunning acts.  Being so clever Awuku also goes by the name Ananse the great spider, owner of all of the stories of the Gods, swift messenger of Nyame the sky God who knows all and sees all.  Awuku or Ananse carries messages for the great mother Nyamewaa and father Nyame who are the Supreme Being.

Ananse carrier of messages teller of stories and means spider in Akan. This is why the carrier of messages or stories is usually depicted as a spider.
Ananse carrier of messages teller of stories 
Let us break down the name Ananse:

ANANSE

ANAN means foot in Akan.

SE in Akan means to say, speak, or tell.

What are the different names for Ananse

Ananse is the carrier of messages and teller of stories. Ananse is the one who tells all delivering messages for Nyame the sky God, who knows all and sees all. Ananse is very clever so of course he has many, many alias all over the world:

  • Ananse

  • Kwaku Ananse

  • Aunt Nancy

  • Nanzi

  • Bru Nansi

  • Annancy

  • Anancyi

  • Anansi

  • Ananansa

  • Ananse

  • Anansi Drew

Ananse clever spider story
Ananse clever spider story

More short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

  1. Why the bunny rabbit has wiggly slits for a nose
  2. Love Takes No Less Than Everything Marriage Folklore
  3. Hunters Attack Cowards Tell the Story
  4. One Do Wrong All Get Punished
  5. Mighty Little Hedgehog

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