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There are different forms of oral literature and these are most prevalent in Africa. This article explores forms of oral literature commonly used in African communities.

What is Oral Literature?

Oral literature is the rich, vibrant body of spoken traditions passed down from generation to generation, primarily through word of mouth (spoken or sung). Long before the written word, communities used oral forms to transmit knowledge, preserve history, entertain, and educate. These traditions, deeply rooted in culture and identity, have shaped worldviews and sustained the moral and spiritual fabric of societies – especially in Africa, Asia, Indigenous America, and Oceania.

Among the most prominent forms of oral literature are myths, folktales, proverbs, and praise poetry. Each of these forms has its distinct characteristics, purposes, and cultural significance, yet they often interweave to form a cohesive oral tradition.

Some key characteristics of oral literature include performance, oral transmission, memorization, lack of fixed form, and audience interaction. Custodians of history (including elders and griots)  and tradition are often the ones who tell the tale.

Forms of Oral Literature

1. Myths: Stories of Origins and the Divine

Myths are sacred narratives that explain the origins of the world, humanity, and cultural practices. They are often populated by gods, deities, supernatural beings, and ancestral heroes. Myths serve not just as entertainment but as frameworks for understanding the universe, morality, and the spiritual relationship between people and the divine.

In African traditions, for example, myths such as the Yoruba creation story of Olodumare, Obatala, and Oduduwa explain how the world and humanity were formed. These stories often carry philosophical weight, detailing the reasons behind natural phenomena, social hierarchies, or the rituals that guide daily life.

Similarly, every community, especially in Africa, has its story about how the world was created. These stories not only remain creation myths, but also emphasise the people’s belief in the existence of God, the supernatural, and their involvement in the affairs of men.

Furthermore, African myths tell of mythical creatures with supernatural powers, often as guardians (of riches, health, etc.), beings that punish offenders, or creatures whose appearance holds deep significance.

2. Folktales: Lessons in Disguise

Folktales are imaginative stories that entertain while teaching moral or social lessons. Unlike myths, they are more secular and often involve ordinary people, animals, or tricksters in extraordinary situations. These tales are commonly told during communal gatherings, especially in the evenings, to both amuse and instruct.

Some recurring themes in African folktales include wisdom, leadership, courage, virtues, the origin of things, virtue, vice, and consequences.

Characters like Anansi the spider from West African and Caribbean folklore illustrate human traits such as cunning, greed, survival, and wit. Through Anansi’s adventures and misadventures, listeners learn about consequences, justice, and human behavior. Folktales are dynamic and adaptable, often changing with the storyteller or the times, allowing each generation to reshape them to suit contemporary values.

For example, “The Dancing Palm Tree”, a Nigerian folktale, tells of how the tortoise (the trickster) hides under a palm tree and dances to the market to frighten the market women. When the women, out of fear, run away, leaving their goods, the tortoise crawls out and steals them. Until one day, his luck ran out, and he was caught.

Using symbolism, the animal characters not only take on human characteristics, but they also become the people, embody the traditions, and pass them on to the audience.

3. Proverbs: Wisdom in a Few Words

Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that encapsulate traditional wisdom, moral values, or cultural truths. They are considered the distilled essence of a people’s philosophy and are widely used in conversation, storytelling, and public discourse.

In many African societies, proverbs are a hallmark of eloquence and wisdom. Children not only learn from these proverbs, but are also required to understand and interpret them correctly. In a typical Igbo society, an entire conversation can be had using proverbs and wise sayings.

Here are some examples of Igbo proverbs and their meanings.

• “He who brings kola nut brings life,” underscores the importance of hospitality.
• “A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth,” highlights communal responsibility and the consequences of neglect.
• “When the fly lands on your scrotum, you realise there are other ways to solve a problem without using violence,” not only emphasises the need to solve problems without violence but also points to the nature and depth of damage violence can create.

Proverbs often require shared cultural understanding to fully appreciate their meanings, making them a powerful tool for preserving cultural knowledge and intergenerational dialogue.

4. Epics: Heroism and Cultural Identity

Epics are long narrative poems or oral stories that recount the heroic deeds of a person who embodies the values and ideals of a community. These grand tales are often historical or semi-historical, chronicling battles, migrations, and the formation of kingdoms. They blend history, myth, and culture.

Examples include –

• The Epic of Sundiata of Mali tells the story of the founder of the Mali Empire.
• The Mwindo Epic from Congo follows the warrior and leader, Mwindo, as he overcomes many challenges and becomes the king of his people.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh
• The Epic of Kebra Nagast of Ethiopia traces the lineage of the Ethiopian emperors back to King Solomon.

These narratives are not only thrilling tales of adventure but also records of political, social, and ethical systems. The heroes often undergo trials, receive supernatural aid, and emerge as leaders, making epics essential for shaping communal identity and pride.

Custodians of community history, like the griots, are often the ones who tell these tales, and the storytelling is sometimes accompanied by musical instruments and performances. They aim to captivate, entertain, and educate.

5. Praise Poetry: The Art of Exaltation

Praise poetry is a genre of oral literature that glorifies individuals, clans, animals, or even landscapes. It often features vivid imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.

The aim of praise poetry is to express admiration, pay tribute, show gratitude, or introduce a person, place, or thing to a people in its grandeur to elicit admiration, respect, or show they are worthy of the position accorded them.

Praise poets – such as griots of West Africa or imbongi in Zulu tradition – are not just performers but historians and custodians of culture. In West Africa, kingdoms have dedicated praise singers who accompany the king.

In a traditional African setting, a praise poet may accompany a king’s entrance with a recital of his lineage, victories, and virtues, enhancing his prestige and legitimacy. This is a common practice in the Yoruba culture – the Oriki is a poetic verse sung or recited to eulogize a person, family, or tribe.

Praise poetry is also used in rites of passage, funerals, and celebrations, capturing the essence of a person’s life or role in society.

Interestingly, different African communities have been using this form of oral tradition from their early days and have specific names for praise poetry. Examples include –

• Oriki (Yoruba, Nigeria)
• Izibongo (Zulu, South Africa)
• Maboko (Tswana)

Some characteristics of the subject of praise poetry include –

• Military valor: praises the warrior and powerful man or protector of a people.
• Wise counsel: for deeds of peace and effective mediation for the people or the land.
• Provider: often recounts great hunting and farming skills.

Besides praising the virtues of a king, praise poetry can also serve other purposes, such as reminding the king of his social responsibilities.

The Enduring Relevance of Oral Literature

While modernity and literacy have transformed how stories are shared, oral literature remains vital. In contemporary times, it is being preserved through audio recordings, film, festivals, and classroom education. Moreover, its themes – identity, morality, injustice, love, bravery – are timeless.

Oral literature continues to influence written literature, music, and even digital storytelling. Its adaptability and emotive power ensure that even in a technologically advanced world, the spoken word remains a cornerstone of human expression and cultural memory.

The core functions remain culture preservation, knowledge transmission, fostering identity, social cohesion, and artistic inspiration, as they stimulate imagination and encourage critical thinking.

Conclusion

Oral literature, through myths, folktales, proverbs, epics, and praise poetry, serves as the heartbeat of culture and tradition. It is both an art form and a societal mirror, reflecting the values, fears, hopes, and wisdom of a people. Preserving and celebrating these oral traditions is not just about the past – it is about sustaining the soul of human civilization for generations to come.

In Africa, oral tradition remains the core of African literature, influencing modern literature. The elements of African oral literature endure and continue to be adapted into modern forms.