Grandmothers’ Tales and Children’s Literature
Children’s literature, as we know it today in its written and printed form, did not emerge overnight. Like all other forms of literature, it passed through many stages before reaching its current shape. Storytelling was considered the very first and most important stage, especially because writing stories and preserving them in written form was once difficult. Therefore, oral narration became the easiest and most complete way to preserve and share stories.
Storytelling methods varied from one storyteller to another, even when the main elements of the story remained the same. The style of narration often depended on the atmosphere and emotions the storyteller wished to convey to listeners. The storyteller usually aimed to deliver educational, moral, heroic, or historical messages, while emphasizing certain events or values. Sometimes storytelling included gestures and movements, while in many cases the narrator relied solely on the spoken word.
As time passed, storytelling methods evolved. To attract children and provide more entertainment, enjoyment, and participation, storytellers began using puppets and moving dolls to represent different characters and bring stories to life. Despite these additional tools, the storyteller never abandoned the essential role of oral narration, changing the tone of voice between strength, softness, and kindness to suit each character being portrayed.
In the beginning, storytelling was not considered a profession. Anyone with the ability to narrate events in an engaging and attractive manner could become a storyteller. Such individuals possessed the talent to present details in a captivating way that kept listeners eager until the end of the story. Over time, however, storytelling became a profession. Traveling storytellers emerged, searching for the best stories—whether ancient or contemporary—to share with children. This required constant travel and continuous training in entertainment and communication skills to attract larger audiences. Storytellers eventually had scheduled gathering times that children awaited with excitement and affection.
Besides their ability to attract attention and directly influence children, storytellers were often characterized by kindness, honesty, tenderness, and credibility. In the absence of professional storytellers, grandmothers took on this important role. They narrated stories in ways very similar to traditional storytellers, but with a stronger educational and moral purpose. Through storytelling, grandmothers focused on teaching values, emphasizing goodness, and presenting stories with sincerity and emotional impact. Their tales often highlighted positive lessons and noble qualities that distinguished grandmothers’ storytelling throughout history.
Despite the passage of time, changing eras, and the dominance of modern technology, grandmothers’ tales have not lost their essence. Grandmothers still tell stories in the same familiar and heartfelt way practiced for generations. What unites them all is a shared purpose: building balanced generations filled with noble values and positive qualities. Through charming and meaningful storytelling, grandmothers preserved the beauty of the past and passed it on to their grandchildren, ensuring that these timeless stories remain rich in elegance, depth, and authenticity. These tales come from loving hearts that strive to pass on the very best of earlier times in order to shape bright and promising future generations.
