Introduction
Over time, human beings have used different medium in educating, entertaining and communicating with space and time. This they have done through wood and stone, parchment and paper, fire and smoke, folktales and songs, riddles and dance. As new media was created, the old ones have become relegated to the background, even though not completely abandon.Folklore still remains an important medium in the society. Although it is not given much attention, it has contributed in the shaping and instilling of morals. Folklore consists of a variety of forms. The forms include folk theatre, puppetry, folktales, dance, riddles and songs. They have served as vehicles of education and entertainment. “Encyclopedia of Social Sciences” (2004) defines folklore as a metacultural category”… and as a body of expressive culture including tales, music, dance, legend, oral history, proverbs and superstitions, common to a particular population that comprise the tradition of that culture, subculture or group….” Ranganath (1975) asserts that folklore are “living expressions of the lifestyle and culture of a people, evolved through the years… reiterate the origin and nurturing of the folk channels in, and by the richness of the indigenous culture”.
This dissertation therefore, attempts a functional analysis of Moroa folktales. The function of Moroa folktales and the role they play in the society are to inculcate morals, entertain and educate. This research will consider a general background on Moroa thus, the form function and aesthetic value comprising songs and riddles which add flavor will be considered in addition to and how it helps in bringing out the art and beauty of Moroa folktales.
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