FOLKLORE as a literary device

Folklore is a timeless literary device that serves as an important contribution to culture. It can give us useful, and at times, historic lessons about the interaction of humankind within a community as well as with nature and other natural forces with regard to life and living.

Much of folklore has been passed down orally and reflect the culture of the community from whence it proceeds which also includes its values and belief system.

The use of symbolism throughout folklore also gives one insight into more complex ideas by helping to convey universal truths common to all. Examples of symbolism would include dragons, (who evoke a sense of power) or the phoenix (which can symbolize rebirth).

Moreover, besides fairy tales and parables, folklore can also be embodied in myths, poems, song lyrics, or even limericks.

"The folktale is the primer of the picture-language of the soul." ~Joseph Campbell

IMAGE

:FOXGLOVES (1920) by Nikolai Astrup