What is Folklore?
Folklore is something that transcends all cultures and nationalities and finds its way into the fabric of human existence. It’s arguably what makes us human, as mythology expert Joseph Campbell links folklore and the subconscious. As you can see from the folklore definition above, it’s certainly something that persists time after time.
So why does it still captivate us? Why is folklore something that still intrigues us, even though we have hours and hours of digital entertainment at our disposal?
I personally think it’s because folklore helps remind us of our connection to the world around us. These stories and traditions are apart of our heritage — there’s something that binds us to it.
The similar formulas of folklore stories around the world means it’s something that we keep rehashing again and again. In fact, academics realised that common mythology from the medieval period, are actually much older stories that date back to prehistoric times.
As each epoch rolls on, these myths get a fresh new look, complete with new characters. It’s one of the reasons by Robin Hood and King Arthur share a lot of similarities.
I love folklore so much, so during the next few blog posts I’m going to be delving into the various characters and features of different folk traditions from around the world! This way, we can all the the similarities between our cultures and heritage. Plus, I just love delving into these worlds, it’s like being in a real-life fairytale.
Let me know what folklore cultures you would like to explore. I have some lined up already but I’m always fascinated with stories from all cultures, including obscure ones because I love a mystery.
