WHY IS THIS ORAL TRADITION SO POPULAR?

Traditional Irish storytelling has always served many purposes for those who participate. Through history, storytelling was the mechanism to hand down values, laws, religions, wisdom, knowledge, etc. This verbal lore brought communities together. For these female Irish storytellers, aside from a sense of community, it provided them amusement during long winter nights. It allowed these communities of women to connect with each other. Through stories they were able to express their doubts and fears, or their hopes and dreams about the world. These communities could feel validated in their thoughts and feelings, knowing that they weren't the only ones. Every door was open to neighbors, or even strangers. At the end of the day people would gather together, rather than sitting alone. This sense of community is extremely strong, which is what makes this tradition so essential.