The Art of Storytelling and cultural memory: A Reading of “A Tale of Paattee Making Vada”

Abstract

Oral traditions contribute significantly to the transmission of knowledge, values, and collective memories across generations. Storytelling, as a performative and interactive art form, not only entertains but also educates, preserves cultural heritage, and fosters creativity among listeners. This paper examines the significance of storytelling as a vital component of oral culture through an analysis of four versions of the Tamil folktale A Tale of Paattee Making Vada. It explores how a single folktale can exist in multiple versions, generating diverse meanings depending on the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it is narrated.

Drawing on the concept of the polythetic network, the paper demonstrates the fluid and adaptive nature of oral narratives. It highlights how recurring motifs are modified, expanded, or reinterpreted to communicate different moral lessons and cultural values. These four variations reveal the capacity of oral traditions to accommodate evolving cultural realities while retaining a recognizable narrative framework.

The paper also examines the impact of print culture and digital technologies on oral storytelling. Although the transformation of folktales into written and digital forms has enhanced their accessibility and wider circulation, it has also altered the dynamics of oral performance and transmission. The paper concludes that storytelling continues to function as a powerful medium of cultural transmission, and that its polythetic nature ensures its enduring relevance in contemporary society despite the growing influence of mass media and cyberspace.