What in the World are World Stories?
06/03/09
For as long as humans could talk throughout the world stories have been told and retold. In the fabric of a culture, they act as vital threads in the weave. In any society they define the roots and significance of the peoples. As a culture grows, so do its world stories.
One of the great benefits of my travels around the world is the wellspring of world stories I have found in each country I have visited. I have also had the opportunity to learn a bit about each country. Customs and rituals. Geography and daily habits. So the world stories I hear have substantial meaning to me. In the process, I have discovered how world stories arise out of the cultures from which they are born. My firsthand experience of a given culture heightens my appreciation of their stories. I have visited countries in Europe, Central and South America, throughout Canada, the United States, and Southeast Asia. The differences as well as the similarities of the various countries impress me deeply.
All cultures regard certain notions as sacred. You can also find things demonic. These notions appear regularly in their stories. Their stories grow out of this mythical soil. Myth forms the basis for many world stories. They include creation stories along with other stories that explain the world.
Folktales, on the other hand, are generated from daily village life. Naturally, stories of the folk world are couched in rural settings. Fairy tales also live in the world of folktales. Stories about magic and mystery were apt outlets for questioning minds of preliterate villagers. Many folktales were cautionary tales with lessons for avoiding catastrophe. Stay out of the dark forest! Steer clear of wild beasts! Avoid strangers! Then again, many folktales tell of reward and happy endings. Good and evil are eternal foes. The Golden Rule reigns supreme. No matter what the genre, a good world story brings meaning to the contemporary world as well. And that's where modern day storytelling has a place. Modern society is a far cry from rural villages, yet the stories ring true regardless.
Some world stories are humorous. Other world stories are mysterious. Many world stories are insightful. Often world stories are inscrutable. Generally world stories teach. All world stories entertain.
Regardless of their intent, all world stories express deep bonds with the fabric of a country and culture. The experiences of people are drawn in world stories. And they have merit in worlds far removed from their origin.
Listen to my CD entitled "World Full of Stories" to enjoy the variety found in world stories. It is an award winning recording that will take you on a delightful trip around the world!
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