What in the World are World Stories?
03/21/09
For as long as humans could talk throughout the world stories have been told and retold. They act as vital threads that weave through the fabric of a culture. In any society they define the roots and significance of the peoples. As a culture grows, so do its world stories.
I have been blessed by the number of world stories I have found from my travels around the world. And each time I visit another country I have the opportunity to learn a bit about it. Customs and rituals. Geography and daily habits. In turn, that lends substantial meaning to the world stories I hear. 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. My travels have taken me to Southeast Asia, Central and South America, around the United States, Canada, and Europe. The differences as well as the similarities of the various countries impress me deeply.
All cultures regard certain notions as sacred. The demonic can also be found. Their stories regularly exhibit these notions. Their stories grow out of this mythical soil. Many world stories derive from mythology. They include creation stories along with other stories that explain the world.
By contrast, folk tales spawn from daily village life. These stories rise out of a rural setting for obvious reasons. Fairy tales also live in the world of folktales. The questioning minds of preliterate villagers found apt expression through stories of magic and mystery. Many folktales were cautionary tales with lessons for avoiding catastrophe. Do not go into the deep, dark woods! Keep away from wild animals! Do not talk to strangers! Then again, many folktales tell of reward and happy endings. Good and evil are eternal foes. One can discover the Golden Rule in most plots. Regardless of genre, any worthy world story can be applied to contemporary life. 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 downright funny. Other world stories are filled with mystery. Many world stories are full of insight. Often world stories are enigmatic. Generally world stories teach. All world stories keep us amused.
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 in distant worlds they still have meaning.
Listen to my CD entitled "World Full of Stories" to enjoy the variety found in world stories. It is an award winning journey that will take you around the globe!
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