Gao-Songhai mythology

The Mythology Gao-Songhaï brings together the myths and legends of Kingdom of Gao andSonghai Empire

The Songhai are a river valley people Niger living mainly from working the land and crafts. They are an important ethnic group in Mali, Niger and northern Benign.

According to the sources, there are multiple variations in the spelling: Songai, Songay, Songhaïs, Songhay, Songhays, Songhoi, Songhoy, Songhrai, Songhray, Songoi, Sonhrai, Sonhray, Sonrai, Sonray, Sonrhai, Sonrhay.

The Songhai are an ancient people of West Africa. The Songhai Empire experienced significant influence at the end of the xv^e and at the beginning of the xvi^e century.

The Songhai Empire was initially a small kingdom stretched along the Niger River. At vii^e century, it is the kingdom of Gao, becoming thereafter vassal of the empires of Ghana and Mali. It becomes an empire during the xv^e century. At its peak, the Songhai Empire spanned part of present-day Niger, Mali and part of Nigeria.

• Culture and Myths by Jean Rouch
• Songhay Pantheon