Tales and lore.

Once upon a time, long before the days of television, DVDs, computers, and MP3s, people used a broad range of creative tools to teach and entertain. These methods included "folklore," which means the teachings (lore) of a group of people (folk). For folklore to survive, it must be told and retold in ways that not only capture the attention of those who listen but also inspire them to spread the tales.

Peoples throughout the world have their own folklore, with stories about everything from animals and historical and mythical people to imaginary figures. Riddles, proverbs, myths, stories, legends, and jokes all contribute to a culture's folklore. Because folklore is older than writing itself, it is considered oral tradition, that is, customs that are shared through words and sounds. Through oral traditions, which continue even today, people reflect on the world and learn about community values, hopes, and history.

Oral traditions from many different geographic and cultural areas came into contact with each other in early America. People of African, European, and Native American backgrounds heard stories that were new to them. Native Americans told creation stories that often linked humans with animals such as the coyote and the eagle. European tales made connections between humans and a hidden world of imaginary beings such as leprechauns and fairies. African folklore gave meaning to human life with its animal tales, particularly those involving the leopard and the tortoise.

Key to the African legacy is the role of the griot. Griots and griottes (male and female storytellers) serve as community historians and, in African societies, keep the past and present connected. It is their responsibility to memorize and recount creatively--through words, song, and music--their people's history. Because of their extensive knowledge, griots and griottes enjoy high social status and often give advice to everyone, from royalty to everyday people. With reverence for community storytellers, especially for those who found creative ways to enliven their stories, African Americans continued many African folklore customs.

In Africa, a long tradition of trickster folklore celebrated creatures that used wit and intelligence to accomplish their goals. Adapting these stories to their surroundings and circumstances in the New World, African American trickster folklore touted the ability of animals such as "Brer" (that is, "Brother") Rab bit to triumph over physically stronger opponents such as alligators and foxes. These tales represented the skills that enslaved African Americans felt were necessary to fight against oppressive human forces.

Folklore about real people such as Harriet Tubman, a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad (see FOOTSTEPS, January/February 2003), circulated triumphant stories about people who put their lives in danger to help others. Humorous tales and scary stories also added hope to the lives of people who were ...