What type of Folklore?
The stories of jotunns in Norse mythology can be classified as part of oral folklore. Oral folklore encompasses various forms of verbal expression, including storytelling, narration, and oral traditions that are passed down through generations by word of mouth. In the case of Norse mythology, the stories and myths involving jotunns were primarily transmitted orally within the ancient Norse society.
These stories were likely shared during gatherings, rituals, and other social events where individuals would recount and listen to tales of gods, giants, and other mythical beings. Skilled storytellers, known as skalds, played a significant role in preserving and transmitting these oral traditions. Through their performances, they would captivate audiences with vivid narratives about the exploits, conflicts, and relationships of the gods and jotunns.
The oral nature of these stories allowed for flexibility and variation in their retelling, as different storytellers and communities would add their own interpretations and embellishments over time. This dynamic nature of oral folklore contributed to the richness and diversity of the jotunn narratives within Norse mythology.
While some written sources have preserved these stories in later periods, it is important to recognize that the foundation of the jotunn lore originated in the oral tradition, reflecting the cultural significance and the oral transmission practices of the ancient Norse society.
Who were in this Folk Group?
The folk groups that shared and partook in Norse folklore were primarily led by skalds, who were professional poets and storytellers. Skalds played a crucial role in Viking society as the custodians of Norse culture, history, literature, and mythology. They memorized and recited the stories, poems, and sagas of the Norsemen, passing them down from generation to generation.
Skalds were similar to the poets and bards of other cultures such as the Irish, Scottish, and Anglo-Saxon traditions. They possessed extensive knowledge of Viking culture and used their expertise to convey literature, poetry, history, and stories to the people. Skalds were highly respected and revered, but their abilities were also feared due to their skill in composing sarcastic and potentially damaging poetry that could harm a king's reputation.
In addition to their role as poets and storytellers, skalds served as teachers, historians, and advisors to their lords and communities. They conveyed important information on social behavior and virtues through their poems and stories, shaping the moral and ethical understanding of Viking society. Skalds were regarded as sources of wisdom and cultural knowledge.
Children in Viking society learned about Viking history, literature, and mythology through the poems and stories of skalds. Skaldic performances made history come alive, bringing the gods and goddesses to life and instilling vivid imagery in the minds of the listeners. Skalds played a crucial role in the education and cultural upbringing of Viking children.
During the Viking Age, all poetry, stories, and histories were transmitted orally. They were not written down until the transition from paganism to Christianity, when writing became more common. In the 11th century, educated individuals in Iceland began recording the poems, histories, mythologies, and stories in books, preserving them for future generations to enjoy.
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