What is Traditional Literature? Genres & Examples

Traditional literature, a cornerstone of cultural heritage, encompasses narratives passed down through generations and offers insights into societal values. Folklore, a key element of traditional literature, features tales like fables and myths that explain natural phenomena or impart moral lessons. Literary scholars such as Stith Thompson, through resources like the Motif-Index of Folk-Literature, have significantly contributed to categorizing and analyzing these narratives. UNESCO recognizes the importance of preserving these oral traditions, including traditional literature, as intangible cultural heritage, safeguarding them for future generations. Understanding what is traditional literature involves recognizing its diverse forms and the cultural contexts that shape it.

Folklore studies offer a fascinating lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human culture. It is far more than just the study of quaint old wives' tales; rather, it is a rigorous exploration of the shared beliefs, customs, stories, and sayings that bind communities together. Folklore provides invaluable insights into the ways cultures are shaped and how knowledge is transmitted across generations.

Defining Folklore: More Than Just Stories

At its core, folklore encompasses the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and artistic expressions of a culture passed down through generations. These traditions are typically transmitted orally, through imitation, or through customary practice.

Folklore includes a vast array of expressive forms. This could be anything from myths and legends to proverbs, riddles, and folk songs.

It extends to material culture. This means folk arts, crafts, traditional architecture, and even traditional foods and foodways are all part of the study.

The Interdisciplinary Nature of Folklore Studies

What truly sets folklore studies apart is its deeply interdisciplinary nature. It is not confined to a single academic discipline, but rather draws upon a rich array of fields to offer a holistic understanding of cultural phenomena.

Anthropology provides frameworks for understanding cultural practices and social structures. Literature helps in analyzing the narrative forms and themes within folklore. History sheds light on the historical context in which folklore traditions emerge and evolve. Finally, Sociology offers perspectives on the social functions of folklore and its role in shaping social identities.

This interdisciplinary approach allows folklore scholars to explore the complex relationships between folklore, culture, and society. It also enables them to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which people create, share, and interpret meaning in their lives.

The Significance of Oral Tradition

Oral tradition plays a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge. In many societies, particularly those with limited literacy, oral tradition serves as the primary means of passing down history, values, and beliefs from one generation to the next.

Stories, songs, and rituals are carefully preserved and recited, ensuring that cultural knowledge remains intact. This reliance on oral transmission, however, also presents unique challenges. Each retelling of a story is influenced by the teller, their audience, and the specific context of the performance.

Therefore, folklore is inherently dynamic. It's always evolving as it is passed down.

Preserving Oral Narratives in Modern Societies: A Critical Challenge

The preservation of oral narratives faces significant challenges in contemporary societies. Rapid technological advancements, globalization, and the dominance of mass media have led to a decline in traditional forms of communication and cultural transmission.

As younger generations increasingly rely on digital platforms for information and entertainment, the oral transmission of folklore traditions becomes increasingly marginalized. This raises concerns about the potential loss of valuable cultural knowledge and the erosion of cultural identity.

Efforts to document and preserve oral narratives are crucial. These initiatives can involve recording traditional storytellers, archiving oral traditions, and promoting the use of folklore in education and cultural programs.

By recognizing the significance of folklore and actively working to preserve it, we can ensure that these cultural narratives continue to enrich and inform future generations.

Core Elements of Folklore: Building Blocks of Tradition

Folklore studies offer a fascinating lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human culture. It is far more than just the study of quaint old wives' tales; rather, it is a rigorous exploration of the shared beliefs, customs, stories, and sayings that bind communities together. Folklore provides invaluable insights into the ways cultures construct their identities, transmit knowledge, and grapple with fundamental questions about the world. The narratives and themes that comprise folklore are the very building blocks of tradition, shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in society.

This section delves into these essential components, focusing on the narrative forms and recurring themes that give folklore its unique character and enduring power.

Narrative Forms: Vessels of Cultural Memory

Folklore relies heavily on narrative to convey its messages and preserve its traditions. These narratives take diverse forms, each with its own distinct characteristics and functions. Recognizing these forms is crucial to understanding the nuances of folklore.

Myth: Narratives of Origin and Explanation

Myths are foundational narratives that explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, or cultural practices. They often feature deities, supernatural beings, and events that occurred in a primordial past.

Myths are not simply "false" stories; rather, they are symbolic representations of fundamental truths about the human condition and the universe. They provide a framework for understanding the world and our place within it.

For example, creation myths found in various cultures explain how the world came into being, often involving powerful deities or forces of nature. These narratives shape our understanding of our origins and our relationship with the cosmos.

Legend: History Embellished by Time

Legends are stories that are believed to be based on historical events or figures, but they have been embellished over time with fictional elements.

They often involve heroic deeds, supernatural occurrences, or encounters with mythical creatures. Legends blur the line between history and fiction, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of the people who tell them.

The legend of King Arthur, for example, is rooted in historical accounts of a British leader who fought against the Saxon invaders, but it has been transformed over centuries into a fantastical tale of chivalry, magic, and courtly love.

Fable: Concise Tales with Moral Lessons

Fables are short, concise narratives that convey a moral lesson. They often feature animals as characters, who exhibit human-like qualities and interact in ways that highlight ethical dilemmas.

The purpose of a fable is not simply to entertain, but to instruct and guide behavior. Fables are designed to be easily remembered and repeated, ensuring that their moral lessons are passed down from generation to generation.

Aesop's fables, such as "The Tortoise and the Hare," are classic examples of this genre. These stories use simple narratives to illustrate timeless truths about perseverance, humility, and the importance of hard work.

Fairy Tale: Magic and the Triumph of Good

Fairy tales are imaginative stories that feature magical elements, such as fairies, witches, and enchanted objects. They often involve a protagonist who faces adversity and ultimately triumphs over evil, achieving a "happily ever after" ending.

Fairy tales explore themes of good versus evil, love and loss, and the power of hope. While they are often aimed at children, fairy tales can also offer profound insights into the human psyche and the challenges of navigating the world.

Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty are all well-known fairy tales that have been adapted and retold countless times across different cultures.

Tall Tale: Exaggeration for Humorous Effect

Tall tales are exaggerated and humorous narratives that often feature larger-than-life characters and impossible events.

The humor in a tall tale comes from the sheer absurdity of the story. These stories are often used to entertain and amuse, but they can also serve as a form of social commentary, satirizing cultural norms and values.

The tales of Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack, are prime examples of this genre. These stories depict Bunyan performing superhuman feats of strength and ingenuity, creating geographical landmarks and transforming the landscape.

Trickster Tale: Challenging Norms Through Cunning

Trickster tales feature a cunning and mischievous character who challenges social norms and disrupts the established order. The trickster can be an animal, a human, or a supernatural being.

The trickster's actions often have both positive and negative consequences, highlighting the ambiguity of morality and the complexities of human behavior.

Coyote in Native American folklore is a classic example of a trickster figure. Coyote is often depicted as a selfish and irresponsible character, but his actions can also lead to unexpected benefits for the community.

Recurring Themes and Concepts: Universal Patterns

Beyond the specific narrative forms, folklore also relies on recurring themes and concepts that resonate across cultures and time periods. These elements provide a framework for understanding the underlying messages and meanings embedded within folklore.

Motif: The Building Blocks of Narrative

Motifs are recurring elements, such as symbols, images, or plot devices, that appear in multiple traditional narratives. They act as the basic building blocks of stories, connecting different narratives and reinforcing cultural meanings.

For instance, the motif of the "quest" is found in countless stories across different cultures, from the Epic of Gilgamesh to The Lord of the Rings. This motif represents the human desire for knowledge, adventure, and self-discovery.

Archetype: Universal Symbols of Human Experience

Archetypes are universal symbols, characters, or situations that represent fundamental aspects of human experience. They are often derived from the collective unconscious, representing shared patterns of thought and behavior that transcend cultural boundaries.

Common archetypes include the hero, the villain, the mother figure, and the trickster. These archetypes appear in various forms in folklore across the globe, reflecting the universality of human emotions and experiences.

Cultural Transmission: Values Preserved in Story

Folklore plays a crucial role in cultural transmission, the process by which cultural values, beliefs, and practices are passed down from one generation to the next.

Stories, songs, and rituals serve as vehicles for conveying cultural knowledge and reinforcing social norms. Folklore ensures the continuity of cultural identity and the preservation of tradition.

For example, traditional stories about respect for elders, the importance of community, or the value of hard work help to instill these values in young people, shaping their behavior and ensuring the continuation of cultural traditions.

Morality: Ethics Embedded in Narrative

Folklore often explores ethical dimensions, reflecting societal values and providing guidance on how to live a moral life.

Stories often depict the consequences of good and bad behavior, reinforcing the importance of virtue and the dangers of vice. The ethical lessons embedded within folklore can shape individual behavior and contribute to the overall moral fabric of society.

Fables and fairy tales, in particular, often contain clear moral messages, illustrating the importance of honesty, kindness, and courage, and warning against the dangers of greed, selfishness, and pride.

Genres of Folklore: A Comprehensive Classification

Folklore studies offer a fascinating lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human culture. It is far more than just the study of quaint old wives' tales; rather, it is a rigorous exploration of the shared beliefs, customs, stories, and sayings that bind communities together. Following the identification of core elements, a structured classification of folklore genres becomes essential for deeper understanding.

This section provides a structured overview of the different types of folklore, ensuring clarity and differentiation between various narrative forms. It aims to classify each genre and provide relevant information on it.

Classifying Traditional Narratives

The classification of traditional narratives within folklore is a complex yet crucial endeavor. Each genre possesses distinct characteristics, functions, and cultural significance. The goal of a comprehensive classification is not merely to categorize, but to understand the nuances that make each form unique.

Myths: Explanatory Narratives

Myths are foundational narratives that seek to explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, and cultural practices. They often feature gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings, and serve as a repository of cultural values and beliefs.

Myths are not simply fanciful stories, but rather attempts to make sense of the world in the absence of scientific knowledge. They provide a framework for understanding human existence and the relationship between humans and the divine.

Legends: Rooted in History

Legends, unlike myths, are narratives that are typically rooted in historical events or figures. While legends may contain elements of exaggeration or embellishment, they are generally believed to be based on some degree of historical truth.

Legends often serve to commemorate historical figures, celebrate heroic deeds, or warn against certain behaviors. They bridge the gap between the past and the present, reminding communities of their shared history and values.

Fables: Imparting Moral Lessons

Fables are concise narratives, often featuring animals or inanimate objects as characters, that impart a moral lesson. The primary purpose of a fable is didactic: to teach a specific virtue or warn against a particular vice.

Fables are characterized by their brevity, simplicity, and directness. They use allegory and symbolism to convey complex moral ideas in an accessible and engaging manner.

Fairy Tales: Magical Elements

Fairy tales are imaginative stories that often feature magical elements, such as fairies, witches, and enchanted objects. These narratives typically involve a protagonist who faces a series of challenges and ultimately achieves a "happily ever after" ending.

Fairy tales serve multiple functions: they entertain, instill cultural values, and provide a framework for understanding human emotions and relationships. The presence of magic allows for the exploration of universal themes such as good versus evil, love, and redemption.

Folktales: A General Category

The term "folktale" is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of traditional narratives, including myths, legends, fables, and fairy tales. A folktale is any story that has been passed down orally through generations within a particular community.

Folktales reflect the cultural values, beliefs, and experiences of the people who tell them. They are a dynamic and evolving form of expression, adapting to changing social and cultural contexts.

Epics: Long Narrative Poems

Epics are long narrative poems that recount the heroic deeds of legendary figures. They often deal with themes of war, adventure, and the fate of nations. Epics are characterized by their grand scale, elevated language, and focus on extraordinary events.

Epics serve to glorify national heroes, celebrate cultural values, and transmit historical knowledge. They are a powerful form of cultural expression, shaping national identity and inspiring generations.

Ballads: Narrative Songs

Ballads are narrative songs that tell a story, often of love, adventure, or tragedy. They are typically characterized by their simple language, repetitive structure, and focus on dramatic events.

Ballads are often performed orally, and they serve to entertain, inform, and commemorate important events. They provide a window into the lives and experiences of ordinary people, capturing their hopes, fears, and aspirations.

Key Figures in Folklore Studies: Honoring the Pioneers

Folklore studies offer a fascinating lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human culture. It is far more than just the study of quaint old wives' tales; rather, it is a rigorous exploration of the shared beliefs, customs, stories, and sayings that bind communities together. Following this introduction to the elements of folklore, it is essential to acknowledge the individuals whose dedication and scholarship have shaped the field, preserving and interpreting the narratives that define societies.

The Enduring Legacy of Folklore Collectors

The study of folklore owes its existence to the diligent efforts of numerous collectors and scholars who recognized the importance of preserving oral traditions. These individuals, through their fieldwork, documentation, and analysis, have provided invaluable insights into the cultural values and historical experiences embedded within folklore.

Ancient Voices: Aesop and the Power of Fable

Aesop, though shrouded in some historical ambiguity, stands as a foundational figure in the tradition of fable. Attributed to him are a collection of short stories, typically featuring animals with human characteristics, each designed to impart a moral lesson.

These Aesopian fables, passed down through generations, offer a glimpse into the values and beliefs of ancient Greek society. The simplicity and enduring relevance of these narratives have ensured their continued popularity and influence on moral education.

The Brothers Grimm: Preserving the German Folktale

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, often referred to as the Brothers Grimm, are arguably the most recognizable names in folklore studies. Their collection, Children's and Household Tales (Kinder- und Hausmärchen), published in the 19th century, represents a monumental effort to document the oral traditions of Germany.

Impact and Influence

The Brothers Grimm did far more than simply record stories. They established a model for folklore collection that emphasized the importance of linguistic and cultural context. Their work sparked a broader interest in folklore as a means of understanding national identity and cultural heritage. Although their methods were later criticized for romanticizing and sanitizing the original tales, their contributions to preserving German folklore remain invaluable.

Charles Perrault: Shaping the Literary Fairy Tale

Charles Perrault, a 17th-century French author, played a pivotal role in shaping the literary fairy tale. His collection, Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Stories or Tales from Times Past), also known as Tales of Mother Goose, introduced many iconic fairy tales to a wider audience.

Elevating Folklore to Literature

Perrault's contribution lies in his elegant and sophisticated retellings of traditional stories. He adapted oral narratives into literary works, imbuing them with his own style and wit. His tales, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Sleeping Beauty, established the fairy tale as a distinct literary genre and influenced generations of writers and artists.

Beyond the Familiar Names

While Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and Charles Perrault are widely celebrated, it's crucial to acknowledge the countless other collectors and scholars who have contributed to the field of folklore studies. From anthropologists documenting indigenous traditions to linguists analyzing the structure of folktales, many have broadened our understanding of the cultural significance of folklore.

The Ongoing Importance of Folklore Scholarship

Honoring the pioneers of folklore studies means recognizing their enduring impact on how we understand culture, history, and human experience. Their work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and interpreting the narratives that shape our world. Folklore scholarship continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies and perspectives, but always building on the foundations laid by these influential figures.

Cultural Associations and Folklore: Global Traditions

Folklore studies offer a fascinating lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human culture. It is far more than just the study of quaint old wives' tales; rather, it is a rigorous exploration of the shared beliefs, customs, stories, and sayings that bind communities together. Focusing now on how folklore manifests across different cultures, it becomes evident how deeply traditions are rooted in specific regional and national contexts. Let's embark on a journey across the globe to examine the cultural and historical relevance of folklore traditions in various regions.

Ancient Greece: The Cradle of Western Mythology

Greek mythology, a cornerstone of Western civilization, provides a rich tapestry of stories about gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters. These narratives weren't merely entertainment; they were integral to the Greek worldview, shaping their understanding of the cosmos, morality, and human nature.

The Iliad and the Odyssey, attributed to Homer, stand as enduring testaments to the power of epic storytelling, offering insights into ancient Greek values such as honor, courage, and hospitality. Myths also served didactic purposes, explaining natural phenomena and providing moral lessons through captivating narratives.

The influence of Greek mythology extends far beyond its ancient origins. Its themes and characters continue to resonate in literature, art, film, and popular culture, demonstrating its lasting impact on the Western imagination.

Norse Mythology: Tales of Gods and Giants

Moving northward, Norse mythology presents a stark contrast to the classical elegance of the Greek tradition. Emerging from the Viking age, these myths depict a world of fierce gods, fearsome giants, and epic battles that determine the fate of the cosmos.

Characters like Odin, Thor, and Loki are iconic figures in Norse mythology, each embodying distinct aspects of power, strength, and trickery. The concept of Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world, reveals a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of existence and the inevitability of change.

Norse mythology's influence can be seen in modern fantasy literature and popular culture, with authors like J.R.R. Tolkien drawing inspiration from its rich symbolism and dramatic narratives.

Ancient Egypt: Myths of Creation and the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptian mythology is characterized by its complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific aspects of nature and human life. Central to Egyptian beliefs was the concept of Ma'at, the principle of cosmic order and justice.

Myths about creation, the afterlife, and the pharaoh's divine role were deeply intertwined with Egyptian rituals and social structures. The Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and prayers, provided guidance for navigating the perilous journey through the underworld.

Egyptian myths exerted a profound influence on art, architecture, and religious practices, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts today.

China: Myths, Legends, and the Shaping of Culture

Chinese folklore comprises a vast collection of myths, legends, and folk tales that reflect the country's rich history and diverse cultural traditions. From the creation myths of Pangu to the legends of emperors and heroes, these stories have shaped Chinese identity and values for centuries.

The legend of the White Snake, a timeless love story involving a snake spirit and a human man, exemplifies the romantic and supernatural elements found in Chinese folklore. The Chinese dragon, a symbol of power and good fortune, also features prominently in myths and legends, reflecting its cultural significance.

Chinese folklore continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, inspiring contemporary literature, film, and art while preserving traditional values and beliefs.

Japan: Folklore and the Spirit World

Japanese folklore is deeply intertwined with Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, featuring a diverse array of spirits, demons, and mythical creatures known as yokai. These supernatural entities inhabit the natural world and interact with humans in various ways, reflecting a belief in the interconnectedness of all things.

Tales of kappa (water spirits), tengu (mountain goblins), and kitsune (fox spirits) offer insights into Japanese perceptions of nature, morality, and social order. The concept of "mono no aware," an appreciation for the fleeting beauty of the world, is a recurring theme in Japanese folklore, reflecting a deep sensitivity to the impermanence of life.

Japanese folklore has had a significant influence on popular culture, inspiring anime, manga, and video games that captivate audiences worldwide.

Africa: A Continent of Rich Oral Traditions

African folklore encompasses a vast array of oral traditions, reflecting the continent's diverse cultures and languages. Storytelling is a central aspect of African life, with myths, legends, and folktales serving as important vehicles for transmitting cultural knowledge, values, and history.

Anansi the spider, a trickster figure found in West African folklore, is a master of cunning and deception, often challenging social norms and demonstrating the power of wit over brute force. The Yoruba tradition of Ifá divination provides a complex system of cosmology, ethics, and healing based on oral narratives and symbols.

African folklore is increasingly recognized as a valuable source of cultural heritage, inspiring contemporary literature, music, and art while preserving the wisdom of generations.

Native American Cultures: Stories of the Land and its People

Native American folklore encompasses a diverse range of oral traditions that reflect the unique relationship between indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands. These stories often feature animal spirits, nature deities, and trickster figures, conveying important lessons about respect for the environment, community, and spiritual balance.

Coyote, a prominent trickster figure in many Native American traditions, embodies both wisdom and folly, teaching valuable lessons through his mischievous antics. Stories about the creation of the world, the origin of ceremonies, and the migrations of tribes provide a rich tapestry of cultural history.

Native American folklore is experiencing a resurgence as indigenous communities seek to revitalize their languages, traditions, and cultural identities, ensuring that these stories continue to resonate for generations to come.

India: A Tapestry of Myths and Legends

Indian folklore is a rich blend of ancient myths, epic narratives, and regional folk tales that reflect the country's diverse religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata, two of India's most famous epics, are filled with stories of gods, heroes, and demons, exploring themes of dharma (righteousness), karma (action and consequence), and moksha (liberation).

The Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables, offers practical wisdom and moral lessons through engaging narratives. Regional folk traditions, such as the stories of the Yakshas and Yakshinis (nature spirits), add further layers of complexity to India's vibrant folklore landscape.

Indian folklore continues to inspire contemporary literature, film, and art, serving as a powerful source of cultural identity and artistic expression.

Resources for Folklore Studies: Exploring Further

Folklore studies offer a fascinating lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human culture. It is far more than just the study of quaint old wives' tales; rather, it is a rigorous exploration of the shared beliefs, customs, stories, and sayings that bind communities together. Fortunately, there are a number of avenues one can explore to delve deeper into the world of Folklore and become equipped with the ability to understand it more intimately.

Archival and Academic Resources: A Roadmap

For those eager to embark on a more comprehensive study of folklore, a wealth of resources awaits. These resources range from meticulously curated archives to dynamic university departments, providing diverse avenues for research and engagement.

Folklore Archives: Preserving Voices of the Past

Folklore archives represent invaluable repositories of recorded oral traditions, offering a direct link to the voices and narratives of previous generations. These archives often house a diverse range of materials, including:

• Audio recordings of storytellers.
• Transcripts of interviews with tradition bearers.
• Photographs and artifacts that illuminate cultural practices.

Navigating these archives requires a keen awareness of ethical considerations and archival practices. Researchers must prioritize the respectful and responsible use of materials, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and honored.

Libraries: Gateways to Folklore Knowledge

Libraries serve as crucial access points to folklore materials, providing a wealth of resources for both casual readers and serious scholars. Library collections frequently include:

• Published collections of folktales and legends.
• Scholarly books and articles on folklore theory and methodology.
• Historical documents that shed light on cultural traditions.

Moreover, libraries often provide access to online databases and digital resources, expanding the reach of folklore studies in the digital age.

University Folklore Departments: Centers of Scholarly Inquiry

University folklore departments stand as dynamic centers of scholarly inquiry, fostering rigorous research and intellectual exchange. These departments typically offer:

• Undergraduate and graduate degree programs in folklore.
• Courses covering a wide range of folklore topics, from mythology to material culture.
• Opportunities for fieldwork and ethnographic research.

By engaging with university folklore departments, students can immerse themselves in a vibrant community of scholars and contribute to the ongoing development of the field.

Museums: Experiencing Folklore Through Material Culture

Museums offer a unique opportunity to experience folklore through the lens of material culture. Museum exhibits often showcase:

• Traditional costumes and textiles.
• Ritual objects and artifacts.
• Tools and implements used in traditional crafts.

By examining these tangible expressions of cultural heritage, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs, and practices that shape folklore traditions.

Online Databases: Navigating the Digital Landscape of Folklore

The digital age has ushered in a new era of accessibility for folklore studies, with numerous online databases providing access to a vast trove of information. These databases often include:

• Digitized collections of folktales and legends.
• Scholarly articles and research papers.
• Multimedia resources, such as audio and video recordings.

However, navigating the digital landscape of folklore requires a critical eye. Researchers must carefully evaluate the credibility and reliability of online sources, ensuring that they are based on sound scholarship and ethical practices.

Scholarly Journals: Engaging with the Cutting Edge of Research

Scholarly journals serve as vital forums for disseminating cutting-edge research in folklore studies. These journals feature:

• Original research articles.
• Book reviews.
• Critical essays.

By engaging with scholarly journals, researchers can stay abreast of the latest developments in the field and contribute to the ongoing conversation about folklore theory and methodology.

So, there you have it! A quick peek into the world of traditional literature. From spunky folktales to epic myths, these stories offer a captivating glimpse into our past and continue to shape our present. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what traditional literature is, and maybe even feel inspired to revisit some of these timeless tales!