Gods and legends across a continent
Africa is home to hundreds of rich mythologies, and this puzzle gathers figures from many of them. You'll be finding the famous spider trickster ANANSI, the thunder god SHANGO, the storm goddess OYA, the river goddesses YEMOJA and OSHUN, and the iron god OGUN.
Because every new puzzle reshuffles the legends, no two African mythology word searches are the same. One round a backwards OBATALA hides in a corner; the next a diagonal ODUDUWA appears across the middle.
Creators, tricksters and spirits
From sky gods to clever tricksters, the words are here. There are the great creators OLORUN, OBATALA, ODUDUWA, NYAME, MAWU, MBOMBO, BUMBA, WELE and NZAMBI, the earth goddess ASASE, and the trickster messengers ESHU and LEGBA. You'll also meet the San creator CAGN, the Khoikhoi hero HEITSI, the god ADROA and the rainbow serpent AIDO — figures honoured by peoples right across the continent.
It's a great fit for a mythology or world-cultures topic. Tracking down O-D-U-D-U-W-A turns spelling practice into an African legend.
How to play
Drag across a word, or click its first and last letter — both work. Each word you spot locks in with its own colour and ticks off the list, so you always know what's left to find.
Want a real challenge? Switch to Medium or Hard for a bigger grid with diagonals and reverse words. Stuck on one? Tap Hint for a nudge, or Solve to reveal the whole grid at once.
Print an African mythology word search pack
Tap Download for a printable PDF of fresh African mythology puzzles, with optional answer keys. Choose how many you want and how many per page — perfect for a mythology topic, a classroom, or a quiet afternoon.
Teachers love these for a world-mythology or world-cultures theme. Add a name-and-date line and you've got ready-to-print worksheets in seconds, free and account-free.
Frequently asked questions
What's in the African mythology word search?
Gods and legends from across Africa — the trickster spider Anansi, the thunder god Shango, river goddesses Yemoja and Oshun, the iron god Ogun, creators like Olorun, Obatala and Nyame, and the messenger Eshu. Each puzzle uses a fresh mix.
Is the African mythology word search free to print?
Yes. Play free online or download a printable PDF pack with optional answer keys — no sign-up required.
Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Easy mode keeps the grid small with no diagonals or reverse words, perfect for a mythology or world-cultures lesson and young learners.