THE ROLE OF ORAL POETRY IN ANCIENT GREEK SOCIETY
##semicolon##
Oral poetry,Ancient Greek society,Cultural transmission,Epic poetry,The Iliad,The Odyssey,Rhapsodes,Oral tradition,Formulaic composition,Mnemonic devices,Collective memory,Social cohesion,Performance and ritual,Religious practices,Political discourse,Storytelling,Literary heritage,Transition to literacy,Greek identity,Public performance.Abstrak
This article examines how oral poetry shaped ancient Greek society, focusing on its roles in preserving culture, educating citizens, providing entertainment, and influencing political life. The author highlights that oral poetry, exemplified by works like The Iliad and The Odyssey, was central to Greek identity, functioning as a vessel for collective memories and societal values. The article discusses the oral techniques used by poets, such as formulaic phrases and memory aids, which enabled them to adapt their performances to different audiences and contexts.The study emphasizes oral poetry’s role in fostering social unity by conveying shared ideals and ethical principles through narratives. It also explores the work of rhapsodes, performers who brought these stories to life in public settings, creating a collective cultural experience. The article further delves into the shift from oral storytelling to written literature, analyzing how literacy changed the way these texts were preserved and understood.
