Do folk tales help us tell right from wrong?
Human values across the world share remarkable similarities
I have remarked before how I have been struck by the similarity between human behaviours and values are where ever I have gone. They are sometimes expressed in slightly different ways. I think it is because at the root of all societies is an understanding of human frailty in a world driven by conflict between 'right' and 'wrong'.
Humankind is a gregarious species, and the stability of the communities in which it congregates is important to it. So it is not surprising that the folklore all over this planet reflects that importance. Stealing is 'bad'. Killing giants who devour people is 'good'. Your own selfishness may come back to 'punish' you. (There are many such examples within Tales for Great Grandchildren.)
All this well spiced with magic and mystery to make it more timeless, digestible and god given. Illustrative art is a wonderful medium for conveying magic and mystery and really comes into its own when used to enhance 'morality' tales.
View posts by related category: Community Folk Tales Illustration