The notion of work in Ankole folktales
Abstract
This study explores the theme of work in Ankole folktales, with a focus on how work is portrayed and valued in these narratives. Drawing on a selection of folktales collected from the Ankole region of Uganda, the study examines the ways in which work is depicted as a central aspect of life and a source of meaning and identity. Through a close reading of the stories, the paper highlights the different types of work that are featured, including farming, herding, hunting, and domestic chores, and the roles that gender and age play in shaping perceptions of work. The study also analyzes the moral and ethical dimensions of work in Ankole folktales, exploring how the characters' attitudes towards work reflect broader cultural values and beliefs about labor, productivity, and social status. This study argues that work is a key theme in Ankole folktales, providing insight into the cultural and historical contexts in which these stories were created and transmitted, and shedding light on the enduring importance of work in contemporary Ankole society.