Philippine E-Journals

Story-Telling in the Service of Society: Exploring the Utilitarian Values of Nigerian Folktales

Ayo Kehinde

Discipline: Literature, Nigerian Folktales

 

Abstract:

This paper explores the utilitarian values of Nigerian folktales. This is with a view to assessing the role of this quintessential aspect of the country’s folklore in the overall development of the nation and her people.

Also, this paper is theoretically grounded in socio-anthropology and it employs analytical and descriptive procedures based on an eclectic survey of the practical values of Nigerian folktales which are subjected to critical-content analysis. The tales are situated in African oral culture, and their social relevance is discussed.