Ananse - Definition and Overview

Anansi is one of the most important and famous gods of west African lore. He is a trickster and a culture hero, who acts on behalf of Nyame (his father, the sky god) and brings rain to stop fires and performing other duties for him. Eventually, Anansi was replaced by a chameleon.

In some beliefs, Anansi created the sun, stars and the moon. He created the first man, but Nyame actually made him come to life. He taught mankind agriculture.

Alternative: Ananse, Kwaku Anansi (Akan)

Also in Suriname, South America, the Anansi stories are well known.

In modern fiction

Anansi appears in Neil Gaiman's novel, American Gods.

Anansi the Spider is a superhero in the Static Shock animated series.

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Anancy stories are also part of the folk culture in Jamaica