What in the World are World Stories?

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Total views: 21 | Word Count: 508 | Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 | 3 comments

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.
One of the great benefits of my travels around the world is the wellspring of world stories I have found in each country I have visited. And each time I visit another country I have the opportunity to learn a bit about it. Customs and rituals. Daily habits and geography. So the world stories I hear have substantial meaning to me. And one of the benefits is to see how world stories come directly from the cultures of origin. 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. I find myself amazed at both the differences and similarities of the various countries.
You can find in every culture notions which they hold as sacred. You can also find things demonic. These notions appear regularly in their stories. They make up the mythical soil out of which the stories grow. Myth forms the basis for many world stories. They include creation stories along with other stories that explain the world.

Folktales, on the other hand, are generated from daily village life. Naturally, stories of the folk world are couched in rural settings. The world of folktales is also inhabited by fairy tales. 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. Stay out of the dark forest! Keep away from wild animals! Do not talk to strangers! On the other hand, reward and happy endings comprise many folktales. Good and evil are eternal foes. The Golden Rule reigns supreme. No matter what the genre, a good world story brings meaning to the contemporary world as well. And that brings us to storytelling today. Contemporary society is far removed from rural villages of old, but the old stories still remain pertinent.
Some world stories are humorous. 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.
No matter what, all world stories maintain a deep bond with the fabric of their culture. People tell of their experiences through 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!

About the Author

Learn more about stories, see JayStetzer.com.

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