Latest articles
All articles →
Do We Live Once, Twice, or Forever?
The distance between the grave and the cradle is not always as wide as it seems in Igbo folklore
By Gospel Okoro· 9 min read
The Oriire Journal: Call for Submissions
We're opening a short call for original, deeply researched work on mythology, folklore and cultural memory for the first issue of The Oriire Journal. Submissions close on 1 November 2026.
By Oriire· 5 min read
Gizzo and the Two Giants
Gizzo the Spider cannot overpower the Elephant or the Hippopotamus. So he turns their pride against them
By Bilkisu Sabiu· 8 min read
Àkúdàáyà
Five years after her husband’s closest friend was buried, Ujunwa hears a terrifying claim: he has been seen alive in a crowded market
By Chidera Dickson Oji· 11 min read
Challenges
All challenges →Join the Oriire Community
Oriire is independent and community-supported. We do not use intrusive ads. If you value the preservation of these stories, consider joining as a patron.
- •Bookmark your discoveries
- •Comment on articles
- •Early access to new content
- •Submit stories for publication
- •Get paid for accepted work
- •Support African heritage preservation
From the Oriire Codex
Open the codex →From the podcast
All episodes →The Myth of Bayajidda
Bayajidda is the founding myth of the Hausa kingdoms. Or legend, depending on who you ask. Shamsudeen joins this episode to tell the story and weigh in.
The Thrift (Ajo) System of Savings in Nigeria
Long before formal banking arrived, Nigerian communities were saving and lending through the Ajo system. This episode walks through how it works, and why people still prefer it to the bank.
Cultural Preservation and How Far It Should Go
Cultural preservation is usually framed as an unqualified good but should every tradition be preserved? This episode tries to identify where the line falls, and when honouring tradition starts to do harm.
Reading is free. Supporting ensures we survive.
Support our writers and help us stay ad free.