Traditions, customs and stories, which were passed down through generations are all part of folklore, which serves as an important part of any cultures identity. It reflects the values, beliefs and experiences of communities and in doing that, offers insights into their way of life. By studying these folklore tales, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of societies, cultures and even individuals. [1]
One of the main functions of folklore is to protect and maintain the gathered wisdom of a society or community. Through these tales, poems, proverbs and songs, folklore passes on knowledge, moral lessons and universal truths, which are used to guide people through life’s challenges. It also showcases that all of our problems and successes happen in many different cultures throughout many different periods of time in history. [2]
Folktales especially are a significant aspect of folklore, which have been enchanting people for centuries. They were very important as a source of entertainment for peasants and kings alike in the middle ages and still serve the same purpose today. But these folktales also serve another purpose, which is, to tell us about the way life was for the common man. History books are filled with names, dates and events which have shaped our world, but it is folklore, which remembers the hopes, fears, dreams and details of everyday lives. [3]
In schools and any other educational setting, folklore can play a significant role. Folktales can be used to help children develop reading skills, while also studying other cultures and discovering a love for stories and literature. They can also provide a way for children to understand the material and the social environment. Every story has a moral to teach people, the most common one being goodwill defeating evil. [4]
Additionally, folklore can foster a sense of belonging and unity among individuals. By maintaining and protecting their folklore, communities can keep a strong connection to their culture and their history, making sure their traditions and values continue through future generations. This then serves as a source of pride and a sense of belonging in a community. [5]
Mythological stories are stories about gods and the origins of how things came to be and these stories, just like folklore are also passed down through generations and can also be used to define a culture. One of the most well-known stories in mythology is how Odin lost his eye, trading in a well for cosmic knowledge and perception. This story belongs to nordic mythology. On the other hand, one of the most well-known stories in folklore, specifically slavic folklore is the story of Baba Yaga, who lives in the woods in a wooden house perched atop enormous chicken legs and surrounded by a fence made of skulls. While Odin, the All-Father is a figure of knowledge and the ultimate God in the nordic religion, Baba Yaga represents a helpful grandmotherly figure, who is also a cannibalistic witch. [6]
To conclude, folklore is not just a collection of old stories, it is a living and dynamic part of human culture. It preserves the whole wisdom of communities, while educating the young and giving them a sense of identity, pride and unity. In out fast changing world, the importance of folklore remains undiminished. It serves as a bridge between our past and the present, while guiding us towards understanding our cultures and even our future.
Bibliography
August House Piblishers. “Why Are Folktales Important?” August House. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.augusthouse.com/why-are-folktales-important.
Fleury, Larry. “The Importance of Folklore in the Modern World.” Farmers’ Almanac, May 6, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/importance-folklore-modern-world.
Harvard Library. “Research in Folklore Studies.” Research Guides, January 31, 2025. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://guides.library.harvard.edu/folk_and_myth.
House, Christine Y. “Cultural Understanding Through Folklore.” Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1993/2/93.02.05.x.html.
HowStuffWorks. “The Fascinating World of Folklore: Exploring Cultural Traditions.” HowStuffWorks, July 22, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://people.howstuffworks.com/what-is-folklore.htm.
Manabat, April. “Mythology and Folklore.” Nazarbayev University, December 6, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://nu.kz.libguides.com/mythologyandfolklore.
This blog content was translated by artificial intelligence.
[1] Harvard Library. “Research in Folklore Studies.” Research Guides, January 31, 2025. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://guides.library.harvard.edu/folk_and_myth.
[2] Fleury, Larry. “The Importance of Folklore in the Modern World.” Farmers’ Almanac, May 6, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/importance-folklore-modern-world.
[3] House, Christine Y. “Cultural Understanding Through Folklore.” Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1993/2/93.02.05.x.html.
[4] August House Piblishers. “Why Are Folktales Important?” August House. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.augusthouse.com/why-are-folktales-important.
[5] HowStuffWorks. “The Fascinating World of Folklore: Exploring Cultural Traditions.” HowStuffWorks, July 22, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://people.howstuffworks.com/what-is-folklore.htm.
[6] Manabat, April. “Mythology and Folklore.” Nazarbayev University, December 6, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://nu.kz.libguides.com/mythologyandfolklore.
