| Abstract: |
This paper evaluates folktales as a veritable tool for moral and cultural education in the Igbo traditional society. The study was motivated by the fact that the nature of oral literature in African society exposes it to erosion engendered by digital practices, modern pattern of rural settlement and other detrimental factors to the traditional life and setting of the African rural communities. The paper focuses on the importance of folktale as the educative tool in the Igbo society, using Amokwe as a case study. The work reveals that apart from providing the People with pleasure, relaxation, and amusement, Igbo folktale platform also avails the children the opportunity to freely ask questions and get explanations from the experienced elders, who can explain every riddle to the amazement of the sharp young ears. The performance artist, depending on different occasions, and using humans, animals and fairies as characters to mirror the life of man, constructs the tales to tally with the cultural values and ethics of the people that they need to inculcate in the lives of these young ones. Through these, good is made to triumph over evil; evils are punished and good deeds rewarded handsomely. |
EBONYI JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
