Historical Fiction — The Book Roads

Why Goats Smell Bad and Other Stories

Raouf Mama

Why Goats Smell Bad and Other Stories from Benin is a collection of traditional folktales from the Fon people of Benin, adapted and translated by storyteller and scholar Raouf Mama. Drawing on West Africa’s rich oral storytelling traditions, the collection features tales of orphans, magical twins, kings and queens, spirits, talking animals, farmers, and clever tricksters. Through imaginative adventures, unexpected transformations, and humorous encounters, the stories explore human behaviour and the consequences of greed, jealousy, pride, and dishonesty. Some resemble familiar folktales from other parts of the world, while others offer distinctive insights into Fon cultural beliefs, customs, and values. Mama also provides notes explaining cultural details and the adaptations made to the original oral narratives. By preserving stories passed down through generations, the collection celebrates Benin’s cultural heritage and demonstrates how traditional tales can communicate moral lessons, explain the natural world, and illuminate the complexities of human relationships.

Benin 1998