In this article:
- Why storytelling has always mattered across cultures
- Ancient myths as the foundation of literary tradition
- From myth to manuscript: the shift to written storytelling
- The evolution of storytelling in modern literature
- Storytelling beyond the page: film, television, and digital media
- Why ancient stories still shape modern media
- Studying storytelling through literature and culture
- From studying stories to creating them
- Exploring storytelling pathways at Penn LPS Online
- Explore the art of cultural storytelling with Penn LPS Online
The art of storytelling has fascinated humans for generations. The types of stories we tell—and the mediums or technologies we use to tell them—may have evolved, but the appeal of a well-crafted narrative remains as strong as ever.
By exploring the history of literature, we can gain an even greater appreciation for cultural storytelling, along with insight into how the stories of tomorrow can continue to inspire and connect.
Why storytelling has always mattered across cultures
Few qualities tie humans together across locations, generations, or cultures quite like storytelling. Stories form a shared language that helps people make sense of the world and fulfills a range of social, emotional, and intellectual needs. They inspire understanding and shape connections, encouraging empathy and providing a sense of belonging.
Storytelling before written language
Our modern conception of storytelling largely centers on text-based narratives, but stories brought humans together long before most people could read or write. While we cannot easily track verbal storytelling traditions, cave paintings offer tangible insight into ancient narratives.
Indonesian cave paintings referenced in the journal Nature are believed to be at least 51,200 years old. Although rock specialist Adhi Agus Oktaviana concedes that humans were probably telling stories far earlier than that, she explains that "words do not fossilize [so] we can only go by indirect proxies like depictions of scenes in art."
Stories as cultural foundations
Stories form the basis for culture. As prominent psychologists explain in the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest, storytellers serve as a "key vector for maintaining culture through generations," both reflecting culture and creating or amplifying cultural traditions.
Ancient myths as the foundation of literary tradition
Ancient myths are early stories that share similarities in scope or consequence to many modern novels and movies. These myths continue to guide storytelling techniques, detailing the archetypes and narrative structures that consistently feel compelling to readers and listeners.
Greek mythology and the power of narrative archetypes
The body of legends known as Greek mythology largely centered on gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, helping the ancient Greeks make sense of their society and mortality.
Author Natalie Haynes argues that these stories remain compelling because they "operate at a very human level," adding that Greek myths are relatable in modern times because "human nature being what it is, we just don’t change very much."
Roman mythology and storytelling as cultural identity
There are many differences between Greek and Roman mythology, but their shared themes indicate the universal human need to make sense of community challenges through storytelling. In Rome, however, storytelling also served a clear political purpose—justifying alliances, for example, or encouraging Romans to embrace the doctrines of the time.
From myth to manuscript: the shift to written storytelling
Many ancient myths were initially shared orally. Those that remain accessible today, however, were recorded on papyrus, such as Homer’s Iliad. These centuries-old myths capture conflicts and character traits that have long since defined storytelling traditions.
How writing changed the structure of stories
Oral storytelling traditions thrived on change. While the core themes and characters often remained consistent, communities would re-interpret stories based on their own cultural identities. Human memory (and its built-in limitations) also helped determine which details were passed down and which details changed from one retelling to the next.
Writing removed these barriers, allowing storytellers to make decisions based on their artistic vision as opposed to what would remain memorable. Stories began to shift from process to product, gaining a sense of stability along with a broader appeal that allowed a wider range of audiences to understand and appreciate narratives.
Literature as a record of culture and history
Literature preserves culture, recording not only historical events but also the prevailing attitudes that surround them. By examining both the history of literature and the details within great works, we can discover the subtle perceptions or routines of everyday life that might not be captured through other historical documents. Exploring timeless themes also allows readers to build a stronger connection with the past, gaining greater empathy for the types of people who may have lived out experiences captured by authors of various eras.
The evolution of storytelling in modern literature
While the core function of storytelling has remained consistent over time, the techniques or methods for sharing those stories have shifted alongside changing attitudes and technological developments.
How ancient myths appear in modern literature
Ancient myths continue to inspire many of today's most evocative stories, including those that feel decidedly fresh. Some works very clearly draw from mythology; the Tony-winning Hadestown, for example, brings the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice (as well as Hades and Persephone) to the Depression era.
Other retellings are less overtly drawn from mythology but still echo themes that storytellers have been discussing for ages. For example, the star-crossed lovers archetype famously shaped Romeo and Juliet but has also been explored in completely different, unrelated stories.
Changing voices and perspectives
Many core themes and conflicts of stories have remained surprisingly consistent over time. However, the way we view those ideas has shifted, reflecting social, cultural, and political changes.
For example, while many ancient myths reinforced existing social hierarchies, recent versions have aimed to do the opposite, questioning what happens when power remains unchecked or forcing us to think differently about the heroes we once implicitly trusted.
Storytelling beyond the page: film, television, and digital media
If the Renaissance reinvented storytelling through text, the same can be said of our modern digital platforms. Storytelling has grown increasingly accessible and interactive, offering new ways to relate to audiences.
Emerging technologies bring a dynamic, visual element to modern storytelling. In many ways, this actually represents a return to form; digitally created stories can be uniquely immersive, inviting the audience to participate in a way they can't when passively reading text.
Visual storytelling in film and television
Movies and TV shows can tell stories through carefully crafted dialog or action sequences, but the seemingly simple visual details often deliver the most memorable takeaways.
For example, in The Graduate, visuals such as a scuba diver trapped in an aquarium convey themes of disillusionment, which existed long before the 1960s. Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is also celebrated for its distinct visual storytelling, with the iconic opening sequence conveying complex ideas about evolution and ambition.
Digital narratives and interactive storytelling
Digital platforms expand storytelling's reach, offering new ways to engage with familiar stories. This introduces an active element that encourages audience members to take a central role in driving the plot.
Interactive storytelling places the reader in control, bringing an engaging 'choose your own adventure' effect to digital media without requiring the vast development teams or technological infrastructure that underscore a full-blown video game.
Why ancient stories still shape modern media
Ancient stories play a central role in modern media, making even the most technologically advanced storytelling mechanisms feel grounded and relatable. They offer enduring narrative blueprints that creatives can continue to harness while still adding fresh interpretations.
Timeless themes and human experience
Many myths shape our modern stories and even our clichés. Narcissus, for instance, continues to remind us of the perils of pride—a lesson captured in terms such as "narcissism." Similarly, the concept of the Achilles' heel still feels resonant, with accomplished characters or real-world individuals often failing to reach their full potential simply because they overlooked seemingly minor weaknesses.
Adaptation and reinvention across generations
Just as oral tradition encouraged each generation to put its own unique spin on ancient stories, remakes and adaptations allow for ongoing interpretations that take social or political developments into account. This allows ancient stories to continue to feel culturally relevant, shifting to reflect audiences' concerns or attitudes.
Studying storytelling through literature and culture
Literature provides the perfect window into impactful storytelling techniques, with cultural insights making these takeaways feel even richer. This helps us grapple with deeper questions of identity and legacy, all while shedding light on powerful artistic traditions and cultural breakthroughs.
Understanding stories in cultural and historical context
Even when stories feel timeless, they usually remain grounded (to some extent) in the realities of the time or place in which they were originally created. When we study that historical context, we gain a greater understanding of what these stories truly mean and what ancient storytellers were trying to share.
The Roman legend of Romulus and Remus, for example, may appear to focus on brotherly conflict or the founding of Rome. However, when examined from a historical perspective, it becomes clear that this origin story aimed to convey the perceived divine legitimacy of Roman rule.
Why studying myths and contemporary literature together matters
Because contemporary literature draws so heavily on mythology, it cannot be fully understood without studying and paying homage to the ancient legends and storytelling traditions that precede it. This makes the experience of reading and analyzing modern works feel richer and more rewarding.
The reverse can also be true; many contemporary works encourage readers to reflect on storytelling themes or ideas that they have long taken for granted. When grounded in current events or issues, themes from ancient mythology begin to feel less like relics and more like mirrors that capture our modern fears.
From studying stories to creating them
Acclaimed authors are quick to remind aspiring writers to expand their focus beyond writing practice to include regular (and reflective) reading. By examining a variety of stories, writers can discover which narrative choices maximize emotional impact and how similar stylistic decisions may shape their own work.
How literary study informs creative storytelling
Literary study offers inspiration while demonstrating storytelling mechanisms and best practices in a way that aspiring writers can understand and embrace. Through close readings, aspiring storytellers discover how other writers build tension or create a sense of intimacy. This is why it‘s helpful to pair writing practice with frequent reading.
Exploring storytelling through writing
Through writing, creatives can gain a deeper appreciation for the storytelling traditions that gave rise to our most treasured legends. Many are quick to notice patterns in their own writing that reflect long-held storytelling traditions. Such discoveries can be deeply humbling, creating a stronger connection between today's writers and the generations that preceded them.
Exploring storytelling pathways at Penn LPS Online
Discover the secrets of powerful storytelling with Penn LPS Online. Our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) includes a Literature, Culture, and Tradition concentration that introduces you to great works spanning several genres. This is a wonderful way to explore different worldviews as you hone your analytical and narrative skills.
Studying literature, culture, and tradition
Featuring a core block dedicated to classic mythology, the Literature, Culture, and Tradition concentration uncovers the resonant stories and symbols that have shaped cultures through the millennia. Cross-disciplinary coursework offers further insights into historical events and cultural shifts that continue to impact storytelling to this day.
Developing storytelling skills through creative writing
There are many ways to hone storytelling abilities, and creative writing exercises are among the most instructive and enjoyable. Offering the chance to apply lessons learned through examining literary traditions, creative writing activities help translate literature-inspired takeaways into intentional and impactful narrative moments.
Explore the art of cultural storytelling with Penn LPS Online
Explore the cultural and historical manifestations of storytelling with the Penn LPS Online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS).
Dive into classic and contemporary works with our Literature, Culture, and Tradition concentration. We also offer a Creative Writing Certificate that allows you to embrace your own talents as an emerging storyteller. Learn more about our literature and creative writing coursework or begin the admissions process today.
