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A mythology is a collection of myths or stories about a specific person, culture, religion, or any group with shared beliefs. Most people don’t consider mythology to be entirely true, but they still take it seriously.

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Stories, customs, and beliefs that are passed from one generation to the next are called folklore.

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Folklore and mythology are very similar terms, and the line between mythology and folklore is pretty subjective. The basic difference is that a myth is somehow held in sacred or religious reverence, whereas a folk tale is popular but not sacred.

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Folklore and mythology are very similar terms, and the line between mythology and folklore is pretty subjective. The basic difference is that a myth is somehow held in sacred or religious reverence, whereas a folk tale is popular but not sacred.

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Folk literature - the lore (traditional knowledge and beliefs) of cultures having no written language. It is  transmitted by word of mouth and consists, as does written literature, of both prose and verse narratives, poems and songs, myths, dramas, rituals, proverbs, riddles, and the like.

Until about 4000 BCE all literature was oral, but, beginning in the years between 4000 and 3000 BCE, writing developed both in Egypt and in the Mesopotamian civilization at Sumer. From that time on there are records not only of practical matters such as law and business but increasingly of written literature.

Of the origins of folk literature, as of the origins of human language, there is no way of knowing. None of the literature available today is primitive in any sense, and only the present-day results can be observed of practices extending over many thousands of years. Speculations therefore can only concern such human needs as may give rise to oral literature, not to its ultimate origin.

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Dark Green and Yellow Textured and Illustrative English Literary Themes Presentation

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Folk literature encompasses a wide variety of written and oral forms including the following genres:

1.  Folktales. These are traditional stories that are passed down orally from generation to generation. Folktales often feature legendary or mythical characters and fantastical elements such as magic and talking animals.

2.  Legends. Legends are stories that are believed to be based on historical events, but they often contain elements of mythology and folklore. Legends often feature heroic characters and can serve as moral lesson or provide insight into a culture’s religious beliefs.

3.  Myths. Myths are traditional stories that attempt to explain natural phenomenon such as the creation of the world or the origins of a particular culture. Myths often feature gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings.

4.  Ballads. Ballads are narratives that tell a story through verse. Ballads were often used to tell stories of love, loss, and adventure and were passed down orally from generation to generation.

5.  Oral Traditions. Oral traditions refer to the storytelling, music, and other cultural practices that are passed down from person to person without being written down. These include oral histories, jokes, proverbs, and more.

6.  Fairy Tales. Fairy tales are magical stories that often feature fantastical characters such as fairies, witches, and enchanted creatures. Fairy tales often serve as moral tales and can provide insight into cultural beliefs and values.

7.  Fables. Fables are short stories that feature talking animals and other mythical creatures and are used to teach moral lessons. Fables often have a moral or lesson at the end of the story.

8.  Proverbs. Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that express a common truth or wisdom. Proverbs are often used to impart moral or practical advice and can provide insight into a culture’s beliefs and values.

9.  Riddles. Riddles are puzzles or brainteasers that are often expressed in the form of a question. Riddles are used to challenge the intellect and are often used in oral traditions as a form of entertainment.

These are some of the most common genres of folk literature, but there are many other forms of folk literature, each reflecting the unique cultural and historical context of a particular community or period.

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Folk literature as a relevant historical artifact

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Folk literature as a relevant historical artifact

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-        Folk literature reflects the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular culture and historical period

-        It provides insight into the ways in which people make sense of the world around them

-        Folk literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including myths, legends, folktales, proverbs and songs.

-        It is passed down orally from one generation to the next, and often evolves overtime as it is adapted to changing cultural contexts.

-        Folktale is an important source of cultural and historical knowledge, particularly in societies where written records are scare.

-        It can provide information about the social, economic, and political conditions of the time and place in which it was created.

-        It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of people in the past, as well as their hopes, fears and aspirations.

-        Folk literature can be used to study the ways in which power and authority are constructed and contested within a society.

-        It provides insight into the ways in which people understand and deal with issues such as death, illness, and social conflict.

-        Folk literature can also shed light on the relationships between different cultural groups and ways in which they interacted.

-        It has been used by historians and anthropologists to understand the world view of people in the past.

-        Folk literature is often rich in symbolism and metaphor, which can reveal underlying cultural assumptions and values.

-        It can also provide a means of examining the cultural roots of contemporary issues and problems.

-        Folk literature has been used to promote social and political change, as well as to resist oppression and domination.

-        It has been used to express cultural pride and identity, as well as to forge connections between different communities.

-        Folk literature is an important part of intangible cultural heritage of a community and plays a role in shaping cultural identity and continuity.

-        It is often associated with traditional practices and customs and can be used to explore the ways in which these have changed overtime.

-        Folk literature is an important source of entertainment and pleasure and has been enjoyed by people across time and periods.

-        It provides a means of exploring universal human themes and emotions, such as love, loss and joy.

-        Folk literature can serve as a reminder of the richness and diversity of human cultures and the importance of preserving and celebrating this diversity.

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What is the significance of studying Folk Literature?

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What is the significance of studying Folk Literature?

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Studying folk literature is important for several reasons, including:

1.  Cultural and historical insight. Folk literature provides a window into the beliefs, values, and traditions of a particular culture or community. Studying folk literature can deepen our understanding of the human experience and the cultural and historical forces that shape our world.

2.  Understanding of oral traditions. Folk literature is often passed down orally, providing valuable insight into the oral traditions of a culture. This can include storytelling, music, jokes, and other forms of cultural expression.

3.  Understanding of mythology and religion. Myths and legends are often used to explain natural phenomena and provide insight into a culture’s religious beliefs. Studying folk literature can deepen our understanding of the role that religion and mythology have played in shaping human cultures and beliefs.

4.  Preserving cultural heritage. Folk literature is an important part of a culture’s heritage and studying it can help to preserve this heritage for future generations. By understanding the cultural and historical context of folk literature, we can better appreciate its significance and value.

5.  Reflecting societal attitudes. Folk literature often reflects the attitudes and beliefs of a particular society. Studying folk literature can provide insight into societal attitudes towards different social groups, such as women, minorities, or elderly.

6.  Shaping cultural attitudes. Folk literature can shape cultural attitudes and beliefs reinforcing or challenging societal norms, providing moral lessons, or shaping religious beliefs. Studying folk literature can help us understand how cultural attitudes beliefs have evolved over time.

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A. Ancient Theories

1.  Rationalism: This theory posits that folktales and myths were created to explain natural phenomena in a way that is understandable to the common people. According to this theory, folktales were rational explanations for events that were otherwise difficult to comprehend. This theory was popular among ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle.

2.  Etymological theory: This theory holds that folktales and myths were created to explain the origins of words and names. According to this theory, words and names were thought to have magical powers, and folktales were created to explain their origins. This theory was popular among ancient Greek and Roman scholars.

3.  Allegorical theory: This theory holds that folktales and myths were created as allegories, using symbolic language to convey moral or religious teachings. This theory was popular among ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, such as Plato.

4.  Euhemerism: this theory posits that myths and legends were created to explain historical events and that the gods and heroes of mythology were once historical figures who were later deified. This theory was popularized by the ancient Greek historian Euhemerus.

B. Modern Theories

1.  Naturalism: This theory holds that folktales and myths were created as a response to natural events and the environment. According to this theory, folktales were created to explain and cope with natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods. This theory was popularized by the American folklorist Stith Thompson.

2.  Ritualism: This theory holds that folktales and myths were created as a part of religious rituals and ceremonies. According to this theory, folktales were used to reinforce religious beliefs and provide moral lessons. This theory was popularized by the British anthropologist James Frazer.

3.  Diffusionism: This theory holds that folktales and myths spread from one culture to another through migration and cultural exchange. According to this theory, similarities in folktales and myths across different cultures can be explained by the diffusion of cultural elements. This theory was popularized by American folklorist Alan Dundes.

4.  Evolutionism: This theory holds that folktales and myths evolved over time, reflecting changes in cultural attitudes and beliefs. According to this theory, folktales were created and modified in response to changing societal conditions. This theory was popularized by Scottish folklorist Andrew Lang.

5.  Freudianism: This theory holds that folktales and myths are expressions of unconscious desires and fears. According to this theory, folktales reflect the deep-seated fears and desires of the human psyche. This theory was popularized was popularized by the Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud.

6.  Jungian archetypes: This theory holds that folktales and myths are expressions of universal archetypes that exist in the human psyche. According to this theory, these archetypes are represented in folktales and myths in different cultures. This theory was popularized by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung.

7.  Structuralism: This theory holds that folktales and myths can be analyzed using structural methods, such as the study of narrative and character types. According to this theory, folktales and myths have universal structural elements that can be studied to gain insight into human culture and society. This theory was popularized by the French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss.

8.  Historical-Critical theory: This theory holds that folktales and myths can be studies as historical artifacts, providing insight into the cultural and historical context in which they were created. This theory was popular among folklorists such as the Finnish folklorist Antti Aarne.

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Archetypes are universal symbols, characters, themes, and patterns that are found in the mythology and folklore of different cultures throughout the world. The concept of archetypes was first introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that these universal symbols and patterns were rooted in the collective unconscious of humankind.

Some common archetypes in mythology include:

-        The hero: A brave and noble character who embarks on a quest or journey to achieve a great goal. The hero archetype is often depicted as overcoming obstacles and defeating evil.

-        The wise old man or woman: An elderly figure who represents wisdom and guidance. This archetype is often depicted as the mentor or advisor to the hero.

-        The trickster: A cunning and mischievous character who often uses wit and deception to achieve his or her goals. The trickster archetype is found in many cultures and is often depicted as a figure who challenges societal norms and conventions.

-        The maiden: A young and innocent female character who represents purity and innocence. This archetype is often depicted as needing protection or rescue,

-        The shadow: A dark and negative aspect of a character’s personality, representing the unconscious desires and fears of the individual. The shadow archetype is often depicted as a monster or evil figure.

-        The mother: A nurturing and protecting figure who represents the maternal instinct and care. This archetype is often depicted as a goddess or mother figure in mythology.

-        The father: A powerful and authoritative figure who represents strength, protection, and guidance. This archetype is often depicted as a god or king in mythology.

These archetypes are not limited to specific cultures or mythologies, and they can often be found in similar forms in different cultures and traditions around the world.

Studying archetypes in mythology can provide insight into universal human experiences and the workings of the collective unconscious.

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Archetypes are universal, inborn models of distinct aspects of identity and personality that play a role in influencing human behavior. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's theory suggested that these archetypes were archaic forms of innate human knowledge passed down from our ancestors.¹

In Jungian psychology, these archetypes represent universal patterns and images that are part of the collective unconscious. Jung believed that we inherit these archetypes much in the way we inherit instinctive patterns of behavior.

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In Greek mythology, Persephone was the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Zeus, the king of the gods. While picking flowers in a meadow, she was abducted by Hades, the god of the Underworld, who took her to be his queen. Demeter, devastated by her daughter's disappearance, caused a famine as she searched for Persephone. Eventually, Zeus intervened, and Persephone was allowed to return to the surface. However, because she had eaten six pomegranate seeds in the Underworld, she was forced to spend six months each year with Hades and six months with her mother. This myth explains the cycle of the seasons, with Persephone's time in the Underworld representing winter and her return to Demeter marking spring and summer.

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In Greek mythology, King Nisus was the ruler of Megara, known for his wisdom and strength. He had a single purple lock of hair, which was believed to protect the city; as long as it remained intact, Megara could not be conquered. His daughter, Scylla, was a beautiful young woman who became infatuated with King Minos of Crete during his siege of Megara. Torn between her loyalty to her father and her love for Minos, Scylla betrayed her father by cutting off his purple lock, believing it would lead to Minos conquering the city and winning his affection. However, Minos rejected her, and in despair, Scylla leapt into the sea to follow him. Her father, transformed into a sea-eagle, attacked her in revenge, but the gods transformed Scylla into a bird to escape his wrath.

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The Turtle and the Monkey is a Filipino fable written by José Rizal. It tells the story of a monkey and a turtle who decided to go on a journey to gather food. The monkey, being clever and greedy, tricked the turtle by keeping all the ripe bananas they found for himself, leaving only unripe ones for the turtle. The turtle, instead of confronting the monkey, quietly plotted revenge. The next day, the turtle invited the monkey to plant banana trees. While planting, the turtle ensured its trees were well-cared for, while the monkey rushed through his task. When the bananas grew, the monkey's trees bore no fruit, but the turtle's trees were full. The monkey, eager to eat the ripe bananas, climbed the turtle's tree, but it collapsed under his weight. The turtle, having outsmarted the monkey, laughed, teaching a lesson about the consequences of greed and unfairness.

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José Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, revolutionary, and intellectual, widely regarded as the national hero of the Philippines. A polymath, he excelled in various fields such as medicine, literature, and the arts. Rizal is best known for his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule. He advocated for peaceful reforms and social justice, but his writings inspired the Philippine Revolution. Rizal was executed by the Spanish in 1896, and his legacy continues to inspire the fight for independence and national pride in the Philippines.