We’ve been discussing the role storytelling plays in both learning and our understanding of the past. The reliance, in the west, of a chronological, list based history can be a challenge when looking at other ways of passing down knowledge from generation to generation. Let’s take a look at an example.
The Polynesian legends about Maui, a clever trickster who helps humanity by pulling islands out of the ocean, slowing down the sun to increase the length of the day, and bringing fire, were passed down orally. Different versions can be found throughout the islands of Polynesia. These stories were often cyclical, with no clear ending, rather than relying on a climatic buildup and subsequent resolution. Instead of looking at personal growth, it focused on the connections conveyed through the actions and experiences of the characters. The purpose was to teach a moral lesson, as well as reflect on humanity and its relationship to others, the gods, and nature.
This contrasts with Disney’s version of the myth in the Moana films. In the films, Maui is depicted as a flawed character seeking redemption. The story also has a clear end to the story and, at best, setting the stage for a sequel, rather than a cyclical style story.
Other examples of this tradition include stories from the Aboriginal tribes of Australia, who used songlines, a sort of narrative map embedded in music, to recall their geography and tribal history. Even in the west, examples can be found. The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer were passed down for centuries in ancient Greece, even later alongside the writings of Herodotus and Sophocles. Norse sagas told heroic tales of adventure and Celtic bards conveyed deep meaning and soul to the native audience.
None of these storytelling elements are wrong. They are simply different. We have to be careful not to judge how a society preserves its culture and traditions if it doesn’t align with how we’re used to seeing the world. Using this knowledge in our classrooms opens up not only a better understanding of the past, but whole new ways of processing information. As a Tongan proverb says, “The path to knowledge is never straight, but always winding.”
Happy teaching,
Ryan Wagoner The Lyceum of History
“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.” ~Alexander the Great
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