Dynamics of Tradition: Perspectives on Oral Poetry and Folk Belief

Dynamics of Tradition reflects Professor Anna-Leena Siikala's multifaceted research interests, including mythology, tradition processes in ethnic and national contexts, epic studies, shamanism and the study of narration. The internationality of the contributors leads to an inherently comparative approach to tradition, which, as it is implied, is always plural and to be understood as cultural traditions. This book shows clearly the reflective nature of the study of folklore. The dynamics of creating histories, nations, ideologies and identities are treated in various cultural arenas and historical contexts, ranging from academic, national and literate cultures to oral traditions. The reader is invited to witness the very creation of ethnographic data in topical studies based on fieldwork. From the ethnographic encounter with folk religion, the focus shifts to mythological traditions and the study of mythology. The section dedicated to epic studies offers a comparative view on epic poetry in various cultural settings. The book concludes with four texts inspired by Siikala's studies in the cognitive and affective processes involved in narration and system of belief.