Group 1 em 5 Handout
Group 1 em 5 Handout
Background Information:
Folk literature is a genre of traditional stories and expressions that are passed down orally from
generation to generation within a particular culture. These stories are usually anonymous and
were not originally written down but were instead shared through storytelling, song, dance, and
other forms of performance.
Folk literature encompasses a wide variety of genres including myths, legends, fables, folktales,
ballads, proverbs, and riddles. These stories often contain moral or ethical lessons and are used
to teach and entertain. They reflect the beliefs, customs, and values of the cultures from which
they originate and are an important part of a culture's heritage.
Folk literature can be found all over the world and is an important part of many different cultures.
Some of the most well-known examples of folk literature include the fairy tales of the Brothers
Grimm, the fables of Aesop, and the myths of ancient Greece and Rome.
Summary:
Folk literature is a significant historical artifact that offers profound insights into the cultural,
social, and moral fabric of various societies. This expansive genre encompasses myths,
legends, and folktales, each serving a unique purpose in preserving and transmitting cultural
heritage.
Myths, as a fundamental component of folk literature, are traditional narratives woven to explain
natural phenomena, human origins, and divine relationships. These stories often serve as
foundational elements of a culture, embodying collective beliefs and values. Myths play a crucial
role in shaping cultural identity and providing a sense of continuity with the past.
Legends, another genre within folk literature, are stories rooted in historical events or figures.
They artfully blend elements of fact and fiction, aiming to convey moral lessons or ideals.
Legends often serve as a means of passing down historical knowledge and cultural values,
offering a narrative that resonates with the collective consciousness of a community.
Folktales, on the other hand, are fictional narratives that are typically passed down orally
through generations. These tales feature characters facing moral dilemmas and navigating
challenges, providing a subtle yet impactful way of illustrating cultural norms. Folktales are a
dynamic form of storytelling, adapting to the cultural contexts of different communities while
carrying universal themes.
Collectively, myths, legends, and folktales create a rich tapestry of human imagination,
reflecting the shared wisdom and identity of communities across time. Beyond mere
entertainment, folk literature serves as a vital historical resource, offering a window into the
values, beliefs, and traditions that have shaped societies throughout history. It is through these
narratives that the essence of a culture is communicated, making folk literature an
indispensable tool for understanding the complexities of human civilization.
Citation/Sources:
https://www.quora.com/Is-folk-literature-a-relevant-artifact-in-history.
"Arcalas, P. S. (n.d.). Folk Literature - An Overview. Scribd. Retrieved February 5, 2024, from
https://www.scribd.com/document/560497615/Folk-Literature-An-Overview"
Background Information:
Ancient Theories
Rationalism Allegorical
Etymological Euhemerism
Modern Theories
Naturalism Ritualism Diffusionism
Evolutionism Freudianism Jungian
Archetypes Structuralism Historical-critical
RATIONALISM
It is a logical viewpoint that regards REASON as the chief source and test of
knowledge.
It allows academic scholars to observe human behavior from a logical system of ethics
in daily life.
states that myths were made to better understand natural events and forces that
occurred in everyday lives of people.
Knowledge is derived from intuition (or rational insight) and deductive reasoning, rather
than from sense perception
The ideas or concepts that constitute the mind’s ability to think are innate
Knowledge of a particular thing is innate
RENE DESCARTES
He believes that the information gathered through the senses are not accurate.
He set out to doubt everything in the hope of arriving something indubitable.
He believes that a strict application of pure reason to all epistemological problems is the
only way to attain knowledge and certainty.
Rationalism is supported by his famous dictum “I think therefore I am”.
Summary:
Citation/Sources:
Background Information:
Structuralism emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a theoretical framework that aimed
to analyze and understand various phenomena, ranging from language and culture to human
cognition. It was heavily influenced by the works of linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913)
and anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss (1908-2009) also known as the father of modern
anthropology.
Structuralism is all human behavior, the way we eat, dress, speak is patterned into codes
which have the characteristic of language. This underlying structure is a set of rules, codes and
symbolic systems that govern how individual within a culture perceive and interpret the world.
Structuralists believe that language is a system of signs that we use to communicate with each
other, and that these signs are governed by underlying rules and structures.
Claude Lévi-Strauss believe that people understand the world through a series of binary
oppositions. Binary opposition is where elements are paired in opposition to create meaning.
For example; good vs. evil, hot vs. cold, night and day.
Summary:
The core idea of structuralism is that the underlying structures and relationships within a system
are crucial to understanding its functions and meanings. Human behavior, like language, is not
haphazard but follows underlying patterns and codes. The analogy with language emphasizes
the idea that just as language has a structured and rule-governed nature, so do various aspects
of human culture and behavior. Claude Lévi-Strauss also points out that analyzing binary
oppositions, and myths within a particular culture or society, structuralists seek to uncover the
underlying logic that governs its practices and beliefs.
Citation/Sources:
Cassar, C. (2023)Claude Lévi-Strauss’s Structuralism and its Influence on
Anthropological Thought
Alido, R. (2023) THEORIES RELATED TO MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE| BSED ENG
7
Background Information:
Folk literature encompasses a rich tapestry of traditional stories, myths, legends, and oral
traditions passed down through generations. There are two types of theories that are related to
folk literature: ancient theories and modern theories. Ancient theories include rationalism,
allegorical, etymological, and euhemerism. Modern theories include naturalism, ritualism,
diffusionism, evolutionism, Freudianism, Jungian archetypes, structuralism, and historical-
critical. These theoretical approaches attempt to explain on how myths and folklore form within
a society and where do they derive from.
The term “naturalism” varies its definition from different fields of study i.e. philosophy, education,
and literature. The definition of naturalism in the context of mythology and folk literature explains
on how myths are formed to explain the natural occurrences and phenomena.
Evolutionism is a term used to denote Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The theory has
been influential among scientists that has applied in different fields of study i.e. biology, social
science, anthropology, etc. Evolutionism in mythology and folk literature pertains to the
emergence and changes of myths.
Summary:
Naturalism in mythology and folklore posits that all myths are the result of an attempt to explain
natural phenomena. People who believe in this theory believe that myths can be traced back to
worship of the sun and moon.
Evolutionism posits that myth formation occurs at a specific point in the evolution of the human
mind. Myths are thus an essential part of all developing societies, and similarities between
cultures can be explained by the relatively limited number of experiences available to such
communities when myths emerge.
Citation/Sources:
https://www.slideshare.net/RichardBanez/myth-mythology-and-folklore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionism https://www.britannica.com/art/folk-literature
Background Information:
JUNGIAN ARCHETYPES
Carl Jung was a prominent psychologist who, while he accepted Freud’s theory about the origin
of myths, did not believe that it went far in explaining the striking similarities between the motifs
found in ancient stories and those of his patients. He postulated that each one of us possesses
a “collective unconscious” that we inherit genetically. It contains very general ideas, themes, or
motifs that are passed along from one generation to another and are retained as part of our
human inheritance. Jung believed that the collective unconscious is expressed through
universal archetypes. Archetypes are signs, symbols, images, or patterns of thinking and/or
behaving that are inherited from our ancestors. Archetypes are thought to be the basis of many
of the common themes and symbols that appear in stories, myths, and dreams across different
cultures and societies. According to Jung, these mythological images or cultural symbols are not
static or fixed. Instead, many different archetypes may overlap or combine at any given
time. Here are some common archetypes that Jung proposed:
• Persona: the mask we use to conceal our inner selves from the outside world
Anima/Animus - anima expresses the feminine qualities within a man and animus
indicates the masculine qualities within women
• Hero: starting with a humble birth, then overcoming evil and death
• Wise old man - the wise, experienced character who guides and trains the protagonist,
providing them with valuable insights and knowledge to help them overcome challenges
and achieve their goals
RITUALISM
Ritualism gives emphasis on the importance of rites or ritualistic forms of worship. According
to this theory, all myths are invented to accompany and explain religious ritual; they describe
the significant events which have resulted in a particular ceremony. Here are some
examples:
“The Epic of Gilgamesh” (Ancient Mesopotamian Literature): In this epic poem, the
ritual of mourning and funeral rites plays a significant role. After the death of Enkidu,
Summary:
Carl Jung proposed the concept of Jungian archetypes, which are signs, symbols, images, or
patterns inherited from our ancestors and expressed through a collective unconscious. These
archetypes are the basis for common themes and symbols found in stories, myths, and dreams
across cultures. Some common archetypes include the Persona, Anima/Animus, Shadow, Self,
Hero, Trickster, and Wise Old Man.
Ritualism theory emphasizes the importance of rituals in folk literature. According to this theory,
myths are created to accompany and explain religious rituals, describing significant events that
have led to specific ceremonies. Examples of ritualism in folk literature include the ritual of
mourning and funeral rites in "The Epic of Gilgamesh," the rituals of hospitality in "The
Odyssey," and the performance of Vedic rituals in "The Mahabharata.”
In summary, Jungian archetypes in folk literature offer insights into the universal aspects of
human experience and the collective unconscious, while the depiction of rituals in folk literature
provides a glimpse into the cultural, spiritual, and social dimensions of the community, enriching
our understanding of the narratives and their significance.
Citation/Sources:
Academy of Ideas. (2017). Carl Jung: What are the Archetypes? Retrieved from
https://academyofideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/71.-Carl-Jung-What-are-the-
Archetypes-Quote-Book.pdf
Banez, R. (2016). Myth, Mythology, and Folklore [Slideshare presentation]. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/RichardBanez/myth-mythology-and-folklore
Garcia, G., & Alboro, J. (n.d.) Significance of studying folk literature-Garcia-Alboro.
Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/647258914/Significance-of-studying-folk-
literature-Garcia-Alboro
Background Information: The term "diffusionism" was coined by the French anthropologist
Alfred H. Stinus in the late 19th century, and since then, many scholars have contributed to this
field of study. Some notable figures include Sir James Frazer, who wrote "The Golden Bough,"
a seminal work on comparative religion and mythology, and Joseph Campbell.
Jungian archetype theory was established in the early 20th century by Swiss
psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung. Archetypes are a shared feature of the human
experience and psychological functioning. They are universal symbols, pictures, or motifs that
exist in various cultures and historical times. Individual personalities and behaviors, as well as
broader societal trends, are shaped by inherited thought and behavior patterns known as
archetypes, according to Jung.
Summary: Diffusionism - it is a myth that arises in a few major cultural centers and spreads
throughout the world. They argue that all myths have a common origin, and as cultures move
around, they take their cultures with them, which is why we get parallel myths. This theory has
similar practices, inventions, etc. that exist among different cultures or people and are primarily
the result of diffusion as opposed to independent discovery.
The Jungian archetype- a set of universal patterns within the collective unconscious,
are influenced by cultural myths and emotions. There are four basic types: The Persona, The
Shadow, The Self, and Animus/Anima. The Persona is a social mask, containing primitive urges
and emotions. The Shadow contains repressed ideas and weaknesses. Animus represents a
male image in the female psyche. The Self represents the unified unconsciousness and
consciousness of an individual, created through individuation.
Citation/Sources: https://www.slideshare.net/RichardBanez/myth-mythology-and-folklore
https://www.slideshare.net/RichardBanez/myth-mythology-and-folklore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnuPbR_SkDw&t=276s
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/84061/1/Unit-1.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tljQwk32IpI&t=306s
Background Information:
Freudianism is mainly based on the Psychoanalytic Theory developed by Sigmund Freud. His
work concerning the structure and the functioning of the human mind had far reaching
significance, both practically and scientifically, and it continues to influence contemporary
thought.
The psychologist Sigmund Freud used Greek myths such as the story of Oedipus to help
explain his theories of psychosexual development. Freud believed that people have strong
desires that are taboo, i.e. that society prevents them from expressing.
Sigmund Freud is an inventor of modern psychology and psychoanalysis. This theory change
the way we all think of ourselves, our language and our culture. This theory stresses the
influence of unconscious fears, desires and motivations on thoughts and behaviours. This
theory structure of personality are:
Structuralism is all human behavior, the way we eat, dress, speak is patterned into codes
which have the characteristic of language. This underlying structure is a set of rules, codes and
symbolic systems that govern how individual within a culture perceive and interpret the world. It
was heavily influenced by the works of linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913) and
anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss (1908-2009) also known as the father of modern
anthropology.
Structuralists believe that language is a system of signs that we use to communicate with each
other, and that these signs are governed by underlying rules and structures.Claude Lévi-Strauss
believe that people understand the world through a series of binary oppositions. Binary
opposition is where elements are paired in opposition to create meaning. For example; good vs.
evil, hot vs. cold, night and day.
Summary:
Freudianism applied to mythology and folklore explores the interpretation of myths through
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories. Freud believed that myths and folktales often
reflected unconscious desires, conflicts, and psychological processes. For example, he saw
myths as symbolic representations of repressed emotions and Oedipal complexes. Freud's
theories, such as the id, ego, and superego, were used to analyze characters and themes in
mythology, revealing hidden psychological meanings within these cultural narratives.
Structuralism, applied to mythology and folklore, explores the underlying structures and patterns
in these narratives. It suggests that myths share universal, recurring themes and symbols
across cultures. Structuralists analyze myths by identifying binary oppositions, such as good vs.
evil, and uncovering the deep structures that shape diverse mythologies. This approach,
championed by scholars like Claude Lévi-Strauss, seeks to unveil the common human cognitive
structures that give rise to mythical tales, emphasizing the fundamental similarities in the way
different cultures express their collective unconscious through myths.
Citation/Sources:
https://www.scribd.com/document/647258914/Significance-of-studying-folk-literature-
Garcia-Alboro?fbclid=IwAR0afBGPCVS9neW2Tf8HGxxXRwlip-
DtcMfvHxDJj7Zw3ma8GC73td46P30
Background Information:
Historical criticism is like a method to examine for old texts, especially religious ones. Its main
job is to help us understand what those texts really meant to the author and the people back
when they were written.
Summary:
Historical-critical theory, commonly used in studying myths, proposes that the origin and
development of myths are influenced by diverse factors such as culture, history, society, and
psychology. Rather than searching for a single explanation, this approach advocates for a
thorough examination of each myth on its own, recognizing the unique blend of cultural,
historical, social, and psychological elements that contribute to its evolution over time.
Historical critical theory is a handy approach for understanding old texts from different cultures.
It’s all about digging into the past to figure out what the text meant to the author and people at
that time. Using methods like source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism, it helps
uncover the text’s sources, writing style, and changes over time. Simply put, historical criticism
helps us get to the real meaning and historical background of a text by stripping away layers of
interpretation.
Citation/Sources:
Juliane Alexis Asumbrado. (2021, September 16). Mythology and Folklore Discussion 9/
16/ 2021 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBfCPXn_OcU
Myth mythology and folklore. (2016, April 7). [Slide show]. SlideShare.
https://www.slideshare.net/RichardBanez/myth-mythology-and-folklore
Background Information:
Allegorical theory, in literary interpretation, suggests that texts often contain hidden or symbolic
meanings beyond their literal interpretation. This approach assumes that authors use allegory to
convey complex ideas, moral lessons, or philosophical concepts through the guise of
characters, events, and settings.
Overall, allegorical theory remains a valuable tool for literary analysis, allowing readers to
uncover hidden meanings and explore the deeper layers of a text beyond its surface narrative.
Summary:
The core idea of Allegorical theory proposes that literary texts often contain hidden or symbolic
meanings beyond their literal interpretation. This approach, rooted in ancient Greek and Roman
literature but particularly prominent in medieval Christian tradition, suggests that authors use
allegory to convey complex ideas, moral lessons, or philosophical concepts through characters,
events, and settings.
Grammarly - Allegory
Scribd - Significance of studying folk literature
Wikipedia - Homer
Masterclass - What is Allegory, Wikipedia
Theagenes of Rhegium