Caribbean Folklore Article Index for
Caribbean
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Information About

Caribbean Folklore





CHARACTERS

Though the most popular character is, arguably, Anansi , the spider - whose name is also spelled Anancy, Ananci, Ananse, Ananci Krokoko, and Brer Nancy, there are a number of other common characters. Many of these, like the Tiger, are uncommon or simply nonexistant in the Caribbean, and are found only in the tales told about them.

Animals:
  • Monkey

  • Snake

  • Dog

  • Cat

  • Rabbit

  • Goat

  • Peacock

  • Donkey


In these stories the characters can take on several forms. They may, occasionally, look and act like a man or woman. More often they will appear as the actual animal for which they are named, but also on occasion can be found with elements of both animal and human.


LANGUAGE

The local Creole Language s of the islands plays a major role in the telling of such stories. Each island has its own local Patois , and the teller uses this language to create humor in the stories. Often times the same stories will be told differently from island to island, but the main difference will be in the language.


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