Henry M. (Henry Morton) Stanley
My Dark Companions and Their Strange Stories
"My Dark Companions and Their Strange Stories" by Henry M. Stanley is a collection of folklore and legends likely written in the late 19th century. The book features tales shared around a campfire during Stanley's travels, primarily focusing on the oral traditions of Central Africa, showcasing various characters and their intriguing narratives while conveying moral lessons. The beginning of the collection introduces the custom of storytelling around the campfire, which began with a page of King Mtesa recounting the legend of the "Blameless Priest". As Stanley describes these gatherings, he reflects on the range of stories shared—some being unoriginal or morally ambiguous, while others, particularly those told by indigenous narrators, stand out as unique and laden with underlying wisdom. He offers a summary of the first tale—The Creation of Man—told by a native named Matageza, which explores the origins of humanity through a captivating narrative featuring the Moon and a Toad in a creative conflict over their place in creation. This story sets the tone for further discoveries within the realm of African folklore, emphasizing community, culture, and moral teachings.