I was making soup the other day while diving into a captivating book I’m reviewing, called The Hidden Icon. This book delves deeply into the art of storytelling, which the main character excels at. It got me thinking about how storytelling has evolved over centuries. We rarely see oral storytellers anymore; instead, storytelling has shifted to books, movies, television, and plays. The simple yet profound art of oral storytelling has been overshadowed by the rise of new technologies. I believe this change is worth a closer look and discussion.
As a child, nothing excited me more than my mother’s bedtime stories. She created the most fantastic tales that would fuel my dreams. Unlike many parents who read from books, my mom made up her own stories on the spot. I still remember her tales of a unicorn wandering through a magical forest and traveling between universes to save those in danger. As I’ve learned, storytelling is quite a complex skill to master.
Consider this: writers spend years crafting novels, perfecting every detail. But a good storyteller can invent a story on the fly, captivating their audience instantly. They can’t afford to include dull sections; instead, they have to keep listeners engaged with all the exciting parts, much like a movie trailer. This makes every moment interesting and engaging, all while knowing the entire plot they are going to tell.
Take Scheherazade, for example. Whether she had a story in mind or not, she constantly shared new tales. If the storyteller only has the beginning of a story, it’s even more challenging. They must think quickly, adding intriguing details as they go. This involves character development, narrative perspective, and vivid descriptions of settings and costumes, essentially creating a novel in real-time. Even with my imagination, the idea of impromptu storytelling is daunting. Could you handle the pressure, especially if your life depended on it?
Oral storytelling is a nearly lost art, though it’s the foundation for many of the stories we enjoy today in books and movies. Think about the myriad of novels that draw on oral fairy tales, myths, and legends. Oral storytelling was never just about entertainment; it was also about education, cultural preservation, and instilling values. Storytellers had a significant impact on society and still do, even though the medium has changed.
In my opinion, we should revive the tradition of oral storytelling. Everyone—grandparents, parents, and anyone who loves to tell stories—should embrace this art form. Gather your thoughts, get creative, and share stories with others.
What story would you tell if you were a storyteller? Share your thoughts below.
