Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

View citations →

Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Girl with Fish Curse of Selfishness African Folklore

Girl with Fish Curse of Selfishness African Folklore
Girl with Fish Curse of Selfishness African Folklore
Asha and her three sisters

Selfishness runs deep in the Girl with Fish Curse of Selfishness African Folklore


As the ancestors say, selfishness is wicked. A good person thinks of others first and the selfish person earns a reputation as someone not worth dealing with, someone to shun.

Curse of Selfishness African Folklore.

Asha and her three sisters one day took their baskets and went to the river to fish. Asha caught many fishes, while the other three sisters caught none at all.

They said to their more fortunate friend, “Asha let us have a few of your fishes; you have so many, and we have none at all."

"No!" said Asha, "what I have caught I keep for myself!”.

They all started for home and had gone quite a distance when Asha who had caught the many fishes discovered, that she had lost her bracelet. She asked her companions to go along back with her and help her find it.

"No!" said they. "Ask your fishes to go along with you. You know that we are your friends, yet you would not let us have a few fishes when we asked you!"

Asha went alone to the river. There she met a Python. On seeing him, she became charmed by him and was unable to move from the spot. The Python killed and devoured her. Poor selfish Asha not only lost all of her fishes, but her life as well.


The African Gourmet Logo.

Korea & Africa: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor’s Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges.

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions