Archive Hwènuxó
ABOUT
Archive Hwènuxó is an accessible online archive of traditional oral folktales from southern Benin, among the Fon people, collected over nine months on a Fulbright research grant from 2025-2026.
Archive Hwènuxó could not have been made without the help of various community partners.
Dr. Romain Hounzandji, Professor and Advisor, Université d’Abomey-Calavi
Jerry Adjahi, EV Exchange and Alumni Coordinator, U.S. Embassy Cotonou
Afdal Oladikpikpo Tchoubade, Fongbe to French Written Translator
Mathieu Hounkandji, Abomey Region Guide and Cultural Mediator, Museum of Abomey
Hounnon Alexandre Adohounkla, Abomey Region Translator
Lorentus Houedote, Allada Region Guide and Expert
Françoise Hounton, Dédomè Region Guide and Expert
What is a hwènuxó?
"Hwènuxó" is a word from the Fon language of southern Benin, West Africa, that denotes a specific genre of folktale. "Hwènu" means "history," "time," or "era", while "xó" means "speech" or "talk." Together, they can roughly be translated as stories from the past.
Hwènuxó's are a long-standing Fon tradition. Most often told at night under the light of the moon, they are passed down from elders to children. Averaging around five minutes in length, they all feature very similar themes and archetypal characters, and always end in a moral lesson.
Hwènuxós are likened to a bird taking flight, always beginning first with the phrase "hwenuxó cé zɔ̀n mɔ̀ víín bó yí jɛ̀..." meaning, "my story swiftly takes flight and lands on..." followed by the main character or setting of the tale. Thus, one is to imagine the tale as a bird, taking off and flying through the air before landing on the story's setting, watching the events play out.
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