* Oral Tradition: Folktales existed long before written records. They were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
* Evolution: Folktales change over time, with elements being added, removed, or altered. This makes tracing their origins very difficult.
* Cross-Cultural: Folktales are found in every culture around the world. They reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of different groups, making it challenging to determine a single starting point.
What we can say:
* Ancient Origins: Folktales are as old as humanity itself, with stories likely emerging alongside the development of language.
* Early Written Records: The earliest written folktales date back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India.
* Continuing Evolution: Folktales continue to be created and shared today, reflecting contemporary concerns and issues.
Instead of a specific start date, it's more accurate to say that folktales have been a continuous part of human culture for millennia.