ASMR Myths & Legends: West Africa (Akan, Dogon, Yoruba stories...)

In this ASMR/bedtime story video, I tell you stories from West African mythology, including Akan/Ashanti stories (Anansi the Spider), a creation myth from the Dogons, and Yoruba stories involving Olodumare and the Orishas. These peoples live in modern Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso and Mali. I also tell you a little bit about them and the influence of their faiths on New World religions, including Candomblé, Santería or Haitian Vodou.
Credits: Script and narration by the French Whisperer, visuals by the French Whisperer, under Wikipedia Commons, or under license from Panthermedia and Shutterstock. Sound effects and music from the KZbin Audio Library for Creators.
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Free trial link to the Slumber App: slumber.fm/fw
Slumber is a sleep and relaxation app that offers stories to fall asleep to from a variety of narrators, with sounds effects you can customize in the background, as well as meditations and ambient soundtracks. This link gives you 30 days of free trial instead of the usual 7 days. If you have trouble using the link, you need to install the app first, close it, then click on the link. I have an affiliate agreement with Slumber and this is a paid promotion.
Music streaming platforms: look up on your favourite site, I am probably on it and the library of available stories is growing every week!
My Facebook page: / thefrenchwhispererasmr
Patreon: your contribution is very welcome. I use it to buy props for videos, books, and pay the bills! Patrons can also download videos in HD, or audio only, access special surveys and listen to my stories as podcasts. / thefrenchwhisperer
Paypal account: on the front page of my channel or www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
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Timestamps:
0:00 West African Myths
1:25 Story: Anansi, the Knower of All Stories
23:20 PSA
24:55 Story: Anansi and the Witch
30:20 The Akan and the Ashanti
34:03 Story: Dogon Creation Myth
42:50 Yoruba Religion
46:22 Story: Obatala and the Creation of Life
55:51 Olodumare and the Orishas
1:01:05 Story: How the World Became Unequal
1:07:30 Campfire Sounds, No Talking

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Timestamps: You can also listen to my stories on streaming platforms: ffm.to/thefrenchwhisperer Patrons can download videos in HD, or audio only, and watch/listen offline. www.patreon.com/thefrenchwhisperer 0:00 West African Myths 1:25 Story: Anansi, the Knower of All Stories 23:20 PSA 24:55 Story: Anansi and the Witch 30:20 The Akan and the Ashanti 34:03 Story: Dogon Creation Myth 42:50 Yoruba Religion 46:22 Story: Obatala and the Creation of Life 55:51 Olodumare and the Orishas 1:01:05 Story: How the World Became Unequal 1:07:30 Campfire Sounds, No Talking Slumber App free trial (30 days): slumber.fm/fw (this is a paid promotion). If you cannot access the extended free trial (if the app offers only the standard 7 days), try closing the app after installation and clicking this link again.

[@psnjonaa3933]

Hey Est ce que tu vas refaire des vidéos en français ?:) Merci

[@wiliam1904]

Yyy

[@JoseRodriguez-vc4pn]

Thanks for getting the

[@ashantipink]

As an African-American woman this means a lot to me you have taught me about my history culture I did not know. Thank you so much for recognizing West African culture too, the only ever hear about Egyptian culture. My ancestors are from Ghana according to this ancestry test I took 💞

[@ashantipink]

And my name is Ashanti🙂😀😀

[@jnwest2029]

I’m half Cuban. Yoruba culture is such a huge influence on Cuban culture. Love learning more about the Yoruba and Nigerian culture. Thank you for this.

[@martyasmraccount]

OMG I remember reading the story of Anansi when I was a small child! This unlocked some VERY deep memories for me from when I was small and had my mother read the story of Anansi to me all the time, and later reading it for myself. As soon as you said the name my brain went "like the spider??" and it slowly clicked into place. Thank you for helping me relive this deeply buried part of my childhood I didn't even remember existed 😭😭

[@martyasmraccount]

Yesss I found the book. It's by someone named Gerald McDermott and it's got a red cover!! :)

[@imanim1698]

As an African it warms my heart so much to hear stories from home. thank you so much for making this. i’m incredibly touched, it means a lot 🙏🏽🥺❤️

[@thomasalmond3311]

Whereabouts in Africa are you from?.

[@ItsDefOver9000]

Fantastic. I love when African mythology is given due recognition (besides Ancient Egypt). The continent is so incredibly vast and diverse in terms of the human sociological/historical footprint that it’s a shame just how deeply unexplored it is, especially relative to the more well-known civilizations.

[@hannahh8696]

I couldn't agree more.

[@sleepisthecousinofdeath7395]

I love voodoo and black magic especially in the HipHop industry.

[@acrustaceannamedfish7976]

It’s so interesting because most people don’t know much about it. The saddest reality about the mythology being looked over is that fact there’s no epics or monuments for everyone to look in awe at (or at least ones people know of)

[@ZuluPoet]

@@sleepisthecousinofdeath7395 L.

[@sleepisthecousinofdeath7395]

@@ZuluPoet ?

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

I love this one so much! I teach some of these stories to my children, and my babies love them. The story we tell in our family about Ananzi is almost exactly the same, except when the Leopard Osibo is tricked and captured to be taken to the sky god, he was trapped inside the sacred drum which we tell stories and make music. (Turtle was rewarded for helping do this because it was her idea to put the leopard in the drum when ananzi’s first idea failed, and that is how turtle got her shell) Also in the Yoruba story of creation, it was OGUN the metal smith/hunter Orisha who got curious, made the chain and the Earth and the forest and showed the other Orishas in the sky, Yemaya gave the waters of the ocean, Osún gave the waters of the rivers and ponds and lakes(she later became the orisha of beauty and Mirrors too), Chango made thunderstorms drumming and war and Oya made the hurricanes and and dancing and death. Obatala came down the chain that OGUN made and Obatala walked around the earth and formed the bodies of being of the earth including humans with a little bit of Yemaya’s ocean water inside the belly (to protect the babies in the womb). The humans were usually beautiful and healthy, but one day Obatala got greedy and drank too much palm wine. The humans he made that day were born unwell and with disabilities, and when Obatala woke up from his drunken sleep and realized what he had done he was so upset that he cursed himself to be disabled too and stopped drinking alcohol. From then on he also took extra care to look after his children with disabilities. This is why in paintings and sculptures of Obatala he is depicted with a cane or walking stick and on Sundays (his day of the week, because each orisha picked one of the Seven days and Sunday is Obatala’s day) we avoid drinking Palm wine or hard liquor. It’s so interesting to hear these versions of the story! The sounds and visuals are so relaxing but I keep staying up to hear the next story, thanks for your work!

[@hannahh8696]

Your channel has literally helped to keep me sane over the last 2 years. Here's to another relaxed bedtime. Thank you.

[@debracawthron4137]

You are a major help in my sleep and anxiety. Bless you sir!

[@poetryjones7946]

Second that! 🕯👍🏼

[@amydamjanovic9183]

Ditto

[@kenyanyogini]

Yeeeaa.. thanks so much..an East African here... grateful that u have shared something frm our continent... Information is power that removes the scales of ignorance frm the eyes of man..🙏🏾🙏🏾✌🏾✌🏾

[@claudiascott6654]

These are fabulous! Would love more African stories

[@Nothingtoseehere997]

The amount of times i fell asleep to your videos are uncountable. Thanks for the hours of sleep and education!

[@tavenblack2773]

Been watching these since your original series of videos many years ago. Waited patiently and hoped you would return during your long break, and you have come back and evolved your channels into something even greater. Thank you for your work.

[@vylonygo7410]

I really really would like you to bring back the art series. Your perspective on paintings and their background is magical

[@SokaDeb]

I love those, too.💓

[@KCWright9]

Just saw this! Thank you so much for telling stories from Africa.

[@catbus9127]

I love the Anansi lore, it's great to hear about him and the other African gods.

[@YeahhDan]

I’m so happy to see the growth of this channel over the last year or two. It’s beyond deserved. Thank you for all your work 🙌🏼

[@acrustaceannamedfish7976]

If you haven’t already I think it would be awesome to do a video on Australian/aboriginals mythology

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

It is on my to do list. Don’t expect it very quickly because I have other mythology videos to make before, but I’ll get there eventually.

[@sjm9876]

@@TheFrenchWhispererASMR you did not disappoint!! It is awesome

[@oxocube5000]

Wow, what perfect timing, it's getting late and I'm starting to wind down for bed and I see this from 1 minute ago. Insane

[@littlevoice_11]

Oooo each reading gets more beautiful. These mythical tales from ancient cultures infuse myths, legions and history. Thank you for helping me sleep, relax and deal with an otherwise troubled mind. I hope for more videos on this genre x

[@banrions]

Oh I’m excited to listen to this one. I love mythology and this is one’s that I don’t have much familiarity with. Can’t wait to learn and relax!

[@wendyrosedavis1037]

Greetings : I've never read any of your story tonight Very interesting ! To expand ones knowledge truly begins with The French Whisperer ! I have learned so much. Also , the biggest thing I have learned , is how to relax my mind before I fall asleep. You literally have helped me get thru so much ! The calmness I feel whilst watching and listening is priceless ! Thank you.. Peace A Canadian Fan

[@craigwarke]

I just read Anansi Boys in the last few months, it's awesome to get a little more context for it, thanks for this

[@sarasmr4278]

Wow, I made it to the end of this one and would have been happy to listen to another hour. I hope you'll continue with these. Really good. :) 💜

[@TanjaHermann]

This was superb and extremely interesting. Loved the Dogon creation story which still seems so relevant today. Merci!

[@Electronidus]

Hello mr French whisperer I have a request/suggestion for future videos. You do such a phenomenal job with the history and culture videos I was wondering if you thought about something a like different such as covering lore from lord of the rings or Star Wars or other media franchises. Anyways just an idea , up to you cheers mate

[@natekraner3721]

The history of the Sith would be the only asmr video I’d need for the rest of my life

[@Electronidus]

@@natekraner3721dude right!?

[@kaarlimakela3413]

Although I have request ideas, like the history of Gypsies ... French Whisperer could read the Manhattan phone book and I'd still conk out with my glasses still on! 🤭👵

[@natekraner3721]

@Moth boy he would absolutely not be able to do anything less than as deep a dive as that, that’s true…rats. I’ll keep hoping all the same

[@homesoundsgood7211]

Oh wow. You're the best. Just got home and so excited. I was wishing you had done a new one and there it was in my notifications!

[@supaspydamn]

This was my favorite one yet. Merci beaucoup 💖

[@yadasizani2065]

As a South African it means a lot that people are speaking more about African history

[@davehugstrees]

Great video and really interesting to hear about myths from the African continent. I’m sure you have many requests for different topic but one thing I think would be really interesting is a video on archeological relics such as the Antikythera mechanism.

[@d33rex64]

I also want a desk that I only use to decorate and play with random items I’ve picked up over the years

[@JoyousSquonk]

I love this channel so much! An absolute must when I take a nap and nearly as essential for regular bedtime! I think the Mythology vids are my favorite, but I am a mythology nerd, so I'm biased

[@MaggieGraceWebb]

New French Whisperer videos always make my night!! Especially these mythology ones. So excited to fall asleep to this each night for the next few weeks💖

[@thegalaxyhasclass]

The knowledge and passion you put into these videos is truely a gift. We are all enriched by your efforts sir. Merci!

[@tigerlink1888]

I absolutely love your videos. I've listened to you since your first couple of videos. I love that I'm able to learn about African Mythology and about my ancestors (I am Puertorican and there is some Yoruba and Ghanaian heritage in my family). I do wish you make a spanish video in the future, as they were quite relaxing. For now cheers!

[@sbkeller]

I love the myths and legends videos. I am listing now. Keep up the great work.

[@danwhxte]

I love your channel so much - I await every upload eagerly! I am making my way through your videos and I have nearly watched every single one!! You are the best you have helped me sleep so much

[@judemorales4U]

So delighted to see this come up! It's going to be 'my tonight'! Thank you!

[@TheDecompressionZone]

Thank you for another wonderful video! Legends form Africa...VERY cool. Thanks again, Marcus

[@shannamac3974]

Listened to this at work yesterday, loved it, it made 4 hours of report fly by.

[@KateFergeson]

Love your channel. Soothing as well as educational.

[@tommyc3433]

Well done as always! Grateful for your effots, your my go to for sleep time.

[@leviaaron500]

So excited to sleep through another video! You're the best!

[@savagedanyro]

My life is better because my sleep is better. All thanks to you sir

[@palanthis]

This is great. It also makes me want to re-read American Gods, by Neil Gaiman.

[@bestaghenbertkeushtad7201]

Tu méritais d'avoir plus d'abonnés quand on voit et entend la qualité et la constance de ton travail. Amicales salutations et tiens bon la barre !

[@christiancook5805]

Love the mythology videos! Can you please do a video on Armenian mythology?

[@chanelharry6376]

Thank you so much for highlighting West African mythology!

[@furretthefuzzynoodle3896]

That intro music was just SUBLIME!

[@PinguSmokes]

So excited to get into bed and listen to this new one!

[@fjLKA]

Another exciting bedtime!!!

[@nadiasvens]

dude you save my soul every day right now

[@aniaroe9542]

Amazing great video awesome content super relaxing, Video request please could you do a video on angels IE Lucifer, Lilith etc

[@nicholasparadis1559]

I know this borders on comedy, but I can't help imagining Anansi the Spider as the size of a Brazilian Wandering Spider, helping the leopard out of a pit he made with ropes and sticks. Just dragging them to the pit on his own. Very entertaining stories!

[@kingmegatron7974]

When I heard Anansi all I could think about was Miraculous, there was that one episode called Anansi.

[@MissLuckyThing]

Yes please! Thank you for this🙏😍 just got in bed 🥰

[@brentoniverson1020]

Dude you are something else... 👏👏👏

[@ItMeSinamenRoll]

YESSSS! So excited to go to bed tonight

[@afrosiannn4661]

I live for your channel ♥️🌅🌍thank you

[@oneandonlyjark]

If you have time, read Bingo's Run (which is set in Nairobi, Kenya). It's a novel that uses what I assume is west African mythology as metaphorical anecdotes, in a few of the book's chapters, to paint deeper sides of the principle characters.

[@paolobagatella8556]

I have a big problem with this video. I am really curious about the stories, but every time I keep falling asleep before the end 🤣

[@iamtsavah6680]

You are so appreciated 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@onerva.]

yes!! more world myths please!!

[@dolefinz0789]

Perfect timing my french maid 😘🌈

[@RichMitch]

Halo everyone

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Halo

[@RichMitch]

@@TheFrenchWhispererASMR 🫂

[@hannahh8696]

Halo Rich!

[@RichMitch]

@@hannahh8696 halo again (づ◔ ͜ʖ◔)づ

[@kaarlimakela3413]

The lion sleeps tonight ... 🥱🥱😴😴😴😴❤️💐🦋🤞✌️🇺🇦☮️👵🕊️👍❤️💐🕊️🦋🕊️🦋🕊️🦋🕊️🦋🕊️

[@user-od8wv7wf3k]

Love Africa from Saudi Arabia

[@mrbluesky744]

Est ce que tu pourrais faire une deuxième vidéo sur l'histoire de Soundiata Keïta ? Ça marcherait très bien avec ton format je pense. Sinon vidéo géniale comme d'habitude, celles sur les mythes sont les meilleures pour s'endormir

[@paolajthesavage]

Thanks!

[@chelseyowens7709]

Yay!!!

[@yeonhanlee6841]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mini_swiggity]

Is it weird i was listing to Africa by Toto before finding this?

[@tokicab]

No vas a subir nunca más nada en español ? Saludos

[@ZuluPoet]

🙏🏾

[@maddieverse5198]

idk how i got here but you sound like my french teach and its throwin me off 😭🤚

[@yao7138]

很喜欢你的声音，虽然听不懂英语哈哈哈～

[@pmamonthero6641]

I've always found west African culture and mythology fascinating and beautiful

[@sheheryarhassan9251]

Can your next video be about Plato the Republic

[@syncopatedglory]

🙂🌏📣👂😴

[@terryvanced7850]

Please, make some videos in spanish again

[@picolino2043]

C'est dommage que tu ne fasse plus de vidéo en français

[@B1uug]

early

[@GoGriz]

Hallo everyone.

[@bjollnirbjordsen9795]

A bunch of your videos are blocked in the US now, can you make an odysee channel too?

[@KaawSauce]

Kaw

[@kinglewisjtl24]

1:00:00

[@Video-Montage92]

en francais mon frere oublie nous pas

[@COUNTERCOM]

Hehe Benin. Spurdo sparde lmao.

[@tylerroy3232]

Oogga booggaa African language my guys✌🏿

[@andrew8577]

Are you okay?

[@Master_of_Critique]

N

[@randysmith5306]

I am from Suriname and in our kids stories hè is a lying Spider

[@unclesnakehips6810]

Is this your full time job? It must be! Your English is far too good, as is your ability to research obscure subjects to that level detail, for it not to be your full time job