Classification: Divine & Demonic Forces

Temporal Range: Ancient

Geographic Range: Originating in Ghana, then across Africa and the Caribbean

Diet: Unknown

Horde: West African

The West African trickster god Anansi is a storyteller’s dream. With the ability to shift between human form and spider (and sometimes appearing as something in between), he is a central figure in many ancient tales from Ghana.

Credited as a creator, Anansi is said to have taught humans to read and write and gave them the gift of knowledge (after trying to keep it for himself). His stories are as widespread as they are numerous, having been passed down through generations and spread across the globe with the movement of the slave trade.

He is a trickster, his games aren’t always malevolent. Anansi's tricks are often used to guide humans toward important realizations, morals or values, leading to a better outcome in the end. That said, he’s always up for a challenge so be sure to have your wits about you when approaching him and don’t get caught in his web.