Anansi is one of Belize's most loved characters that originates from West African stories. In the Belize versions he is described as a giant spider with human like qualities; none of them good! That is because he is a trickster who will lie, cheat, and steal to get what he wants. Most of his trickery falls on a character called "Brah Tiga" who is usually the victim of Anansi's games.
ORIGIN
The tales of Anansi can be found in various groups across Africa. Most notable the Akan people. Before the Belize and Caribbean tales of his mischievousness, Anansi was a god of story telling. Which makes sense because he always has an excuse.
He became so by performing a task for the Sky God who was the original keeper of the stories. Anansi, seeking them for himself goes to the Sky God, who then gave Anansi an (impossible) task of capturing four dangerous animals. But Anansi, using his cunning and intelligence, tricks the animals into coming with him and wins the challenge.
PURPOSE
Anansi stories from Belize serve as anecdotes but also lessons on survival, wisdom, and morals. They are also warnings about greed, deceit, and consequences. The oral traditions of passing down these tales were an important part of the Akan people that remained with the people brought to the Caribbeans.
ALTERNATE NAMES: Anancy, Nancy, Brah Anansi, Kwaku Ananse.
DID YOU KNOW? Anansi has been added to the history of Marvel's Spider-Man.
FOR MORE ANANSI STORIES CHECK OUT IF THE PIN NEVA BEN ON AMAZON :
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