Folklore and How It Shaped Society

Written by Tristan St. Reynolds, Conscious Creative & Wellness Advocate

Tristan St. Reynolds is a multidisciplinary creative actor, model, author, and spiritual guide. He blends storytelling, performance, and intuitive practices to inspire growth, healing, and self-expression.

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Folklore is not just a set of bedtime stories or rural mythologies. It's a mirror of the values, fears, and hopes of a culture. Usually passed down orally or through written, creative, or artistic traditions, folk tales and legends have often played a significant role in shaping societies, creating diverse identities, and imparting life lessons to those who participate. As well, it evokes a sense of wonder.

The roots of folklore

Many cultures across the globe share strikingly similar folk legends and stories featuring talking animals, magic, mischievous spirits, or wise old crones found in the woods or maidens of the sea. These common stories weave threads and suggest a shared human need to explain or understand the unknown or unexplainable, instill our moral codes, or preserve cultural pride.

From myth to morality

Some folktales are based on real(or almost authentic) historical events or people, while others are entirely fictional. Regardless of origin, most aim to teach something, whether it's about caution, bravery, loyalty, or the consequences of greed. (Sometimes true, but said to be so). An example is the tales of the Celtic selkies or the banshee, which warned of impending death or the mysteries of the ocean. This is reflected in other cultures, albeit under a different name or with a slight variance.

Folklore's social influence

Folklore often served to justify societal norms and rituals. Encouraged Festivals, superstitions, and even shaped legal customs were once linked to myths or beliefs. Over time, these stories shaped collective values and community cohesion. The way many lived could have been significantly impacted by stories of creatures, spirits, and magical beings, such as the Wendigo, Changelings, and the Yule Cat.

Modern connection

Today, we still see echoes of folklore in movies, books, and even spiritual practices. The Aes Sidhe of Irish mythology may resemble modern interpretations of fae or nature spirits. Yoga and Pilates, although contemporary in practice, sometimes incorporate mythological symbols and stories to deepen their philosophies.

Advice for today's reader

Look into and explore the folklore of your own culture or one that calls to you. It may help you understand yourself, the roots of your beliefs, or the stories you've unconsciously absorbed. Let folklore inspire your art, your practice, and your understanding of community and self.

Do you believe the stories or see them as merely fables?

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Read more from Tristan St. Reynolds

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Tristan St. Reynolds, Conscious Creative & Wellness Advocate

Tristan St. Reynolds is a multifaceted creative and spiritual practitioner whose work spans acting, modeling, writing, and holistic healing. With a passion for storytelling and self-expression, he brings depth and authenticity to every project, whether on stage, behind the camera, or through his written words. As a card reader and author, Tristan offers intuitive guidance and soulful insight, helping others connect more deeply with themselves and their path. His unique blend of creativity and spiritual wisdom makes him a powerful voice in both the wellness and arts communities.