The Most Popular Folklore, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the folklore you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:37
In a world brimming with rich traditions and captivating tales passed down through generations, folklore holds a special place in the hearts of many. These stories not only entertain but also offer insights into the values, fears, and dreams of cultures around the globe. By ranking these folktales, we can see which narratives resonate the most universally, shedding light on common human experiences and the art of storytelling.
This dynamic ranking allows you, the reader, to influence which stories hold the most significance today. Whether you're an avid folklore enthusiast or simply curious about the tales that have shaped societies, your votes help celebrate and preserve these precious narratives. Engage with the community and see how your favorite stories compare on a global scale.
What Is the Most Popular Folklore?
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156votes
Unknown artistUnknown artist · Public domainGreek mythology is one of the most famous and well-known folklore in the world. It has been influential in Western culture and has inspired many works of literature, art, and theater.Greek Mythology is a collection of ancient stories and legends that were believed and passed down by the ancient Greeks. It encompasses various gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, and it served as a way for the ancient Greeks to understand the world and explain natural phenomena. These myths were also used to teach moral and ethical lessons. The mythology is rich with colorful tales of gods and goddesses, epic battles, and tragic love stories.- Mythical Figures: Greek Mythology features a pantheon of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, and many more.
- Heroes and Demigods: The mythology includes famous heroes like Heracles (Hercules), Perseus, Theseus, Odysseus, and mythical creatures like centaurs, sirens, and cyclopes.
- Creation Myths: Greek Mythology contains various creation myths, including the most famous one where Zeus and the Olympian gods overthrow the Titans to become the rulers of the cosmos.
- Epic Poems: Greek Mythology is associated with epic poems like the Iliad and the Odyssey, attributed to the poet Homer, which depict the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus respectively.
- Oracles and Prophecies: Greek Mythology is filled with oracles and prophecy, with the Oracle of Delphi being the most famous one.
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237votes
Lorenz Frølich · Public domainNorse mythology is the mythology of the Scandinavian people, and it is full of epic tales of gods, giants, and heroes. It has been a source of inspiration for many works of modern popular culture.Norse Mythology is a collection of myths and stories from the ancient Norse cultures of Scandinavia. It encompasses various tales about gods, goddesses, heroes, and supernatural creatures that formed the belief system of the Norse people.- Origin: Scandinavia, around the 9th century
- Religion: Pre-Christian Norse religion
- Pantheon: Asgard (realm of the gods), Midgard (realm of humans), and other realms
- Main Deities: Odin, Thor, Freya, Loki
- Creation Myth: The story of the creation of the world through the battle between fire and ice
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332votesThe Arthurian legends are a collection of stories about King Arthur and his knights, which have been popular for centuries. They have been a source of inspiration for literature, art, and film.The Arthurian Legends are a collection of medieval stories and folklore centered around the legendary King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. The legends incorporate elements of history, romance, chivalry, and fantasy, focusing on the adventures of Arthur, his queen Guinevere, the advisor Merlin, and the knights in their quest for the Holy Grail and to establish a just society in the kingdom of Camelot.
- Time Period: Developed during the Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries)
- Key Characters: King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, Knights of the Round Table
- Themes: Chivalry, honor, quest, betrayal, love, magic
- Historical Inspiration: Possibly inspired by real figures from post-Roman Britain
- Geographical Setting: Primarily based in Britain and the mythical kingdom of Camelot
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47votesJapanese mythology includes a variety of stories about gods, goddesses, and creatures, which have been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries.Japanese Mythology is a collection of traditional beliefs, legends, and folktales that have been passed down for centuries in Japan. It encompasses a rich tapestry of gods, goddesses, magical creatures, and heroic figures that feature prominently in Japanese culture and artistic expressions.
- Shinto Beliefs: Influences from Shintoism play a significant role in Japanese Mythology.
- Kami: Kami are revered spirits or deities that are believed to inhabit natural elements, objects, and ancestors.
- Amaterasu: Amaterasu is the supreme goddess of the sun and the ruler of the heavens.
- Susanoo: Susanoo is the storm god, known for his turbulent and unpredictable nature.
- Kaguya-hime: Kaguya-hime, also known as the Moon Princess, is a popular mythical figure associated with the moon and celestial beings.
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511votes
MusikAnimal · CC BY-SA 3.0Egyptian Mythology
Egyptian civilizationEgyptian mythology is a vast and complex set of stories about gods, goddesses, and the afterlife. It has been influential in art, literature, and popular culture.Egyptian Mythology is a vast and intricate set of beliefs and stories that were developed in ancient Egypt. It encompasses the religious, cosmological, and legendary aspects of the civilization. The mythology revolves around numerous gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, offering explanations for the creation of the world, natural phenomena, and the roles of deities in human affairs.- Polytheistic belief system: Egyptian Mythology is based on the worship of multiple gods and goddesses.
- Cosmology and creation myths: It provides explanations for the creation of the world and the ordering of the universe.
- Importance of pharaohs: Pharaohs were believed to have a divine connection and played a crucial role in the mythology.
- Major gods and goddesses: The mythology features prominent deities such as Ra, Isis, Osiris, Anubis, and Horus.
- Afterlife and judgment: Egyptian Mythology includes complex beliefs about the afterlife, where souls are judged based on their deeds.
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614votesCeltic mythology is a collection of stories about gods, goddesses, and heroes from the Celtic culture. It has been influential in literature, art, and modern popular culture.Celtic Mythology refers to the mythology and folklore of the Celtic people, who were an ancient group of Indo-European tribes living in parts of Western Europe during the Iron Age and Medieval period. It encompasses the beliefs, legends, and religious practices of the Celts, influencing their societal structure and daily life.
- Pantheon: The Celtic pantheon consists of numerous gods and goddesses who represent different aspects of nature, such as Brigid, Lugh, Morrigan, and Cernunnos.
- Otherworld: The Celtic mythology portrays an Otherworld, a realm of supernatural beings, deities, fairies, and spirits, often accessed through sacred sites like burial mounds or caves.
- Cycle of Life: The mythology emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, with concepts like rebirth, regeneration, and seasonal cycles playing crucial roles.
- Heroic Figures: Celtic mythology is rich in tales of heroic figures and warriors, such as Cu Chulainn and Finn MacCool, who display bravery, loyalty, and prowess in battle.
- Druids: Druids, the spiritual leaders and priests of the Celtic tribes, held significant influence and played a central role in conducting religious rituals and preserving knowledge.
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77votes
Jonoikobangali · Public domainHindu mythology is a vast and complex set of stories about gods, goddesses, and the cycle of life and death. It has been a source of inspiration for literature, art, and popular culture.Hindu Mythology refers to the collection of ancient religious texts and beliefs that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It encompasses a vast range of stories, teachings, and rituals that embody various aspects of Hinduism, a major religion in India. Hindu Mythology is richly diverse, with numerous gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures. These stories often convey moral and philosophical lessons while providing a framework for understanding the universe and human existence.- Scriptures: The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and Agamas are among the most significant Hindu scriptures.
- Deities: Hindu Mythology features various gods and goddesses, including Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga, and Kali.
- Epics: The Mahabharata, an epic poem, and the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, hold great importance and popularity.
- Avatars: The concept of avatars, particularly the ten avatars of Vishnu, is central to Hindu Mythology. The most widely known avatars are Rama and Krishna.
- Cosmology: Hindu Mythology offers a complex cosmological framework, including the concepts of cyclical time, multiple universes, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth known as samsara.
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85votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainChinese mythology is a rich and diverse set of stories about gods, goddesses, and creatures, which have been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries.Chinese Mythology is a collection of traditional stories, legends, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations in China. It encompasses a wide range of topics including gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, heroes, and moral stories. Chinese mythology reflects the cultural and religious beliefs of the Chinese people, and has had a significant influence on Chinese art, literature, and traditions.- Age: Chinese Mythology traces its origins back more than 5,000 years.
- Influences: It is influenced by Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
- Deities: Chinese Mythology features a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, including popular ones like the Jade Emperor, Guan Yin, and Sun Wukong (the Monkey King).
- Legendary Creatures: It features a myriad of mythical creatures such as dragons, phoenixes, qilin, and pixiu.
- Creation Myths: There are various creation myths in Chinese Mythology, including the myth of Pangu, who is believed to have created the world.
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94votes
Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) · CC BY-SA 4.0African mythology includes a variety of stories about gods, goddesses, and creatures, which have been an integral part of African culture for centuries.African Mythology refers to the collection of traditional beliefs, legends, and stories passed down through generations in various African cultures. It encompasses a rich and diverse range of mythological narratives, gods, spirits, and creatures that played significant roles in African cosmology and understanding of the world and human existence.- Diversity:: African Mythology encompasses a wide range of diverse traditions, with distinct mythological systems found across different regions of Africa.
- Oral Tradition:: Much of African Mythology was transmitted through oral tradition, with stories passed down through generations via storytelling.
- Ancestor Reverence:: Ancestor worship and reverence play a central role in African Mythology, with ancestors being regarded as intermediaries between the living and the spiritual realm.
- Polytheism:: African Mythology features a belief in multiple gods and deities, often associated with natural elements, such as the sun, moon, rivers, or mountains.
- Trickster Figures:: Trickster figures, such as Anansi in West African mythology, are a prominent element, often representing the dual nature of life.
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105votesNative American mythology is a vast and diverse set of stories about gods, goddesses, and creatures, which have been an integral part of Native American culture for centuries.Native American Mythology refers to the collection of folklore, legends, and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous peoples of North America. It encompasses a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and stories that have been passed down through generations. Native American Mythology reflects the deep connection these communities have with nature, animals, and the spiritual realms.
- Geographical Scope: North America, including present-day United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico
- Diverse Tribes: Encompasses the mythology of hundreds of distinct Native American tribes
- Oral Tradition: Primarily transmitted through oral storytelling, songs, and rituals
- Nature-Based: Emphasizes the importance of harmonious relationship with nature and animal spirits
- Creation Myths: Includes diverse narratives on the origin of the world and humanity
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular folklore
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Cultural ImpactConsider how widespread the folklore is within the culture it originates from and how it has shaped the beliefs, customs, and traditions of that culture.
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TimelessnessAnalyze the longevity of the folklore – how long it has been passed down through generations and its relevance in contemporary society.
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AdaptationsEvaluate the number of adaptations and reinterpretations the folklore has inspired, both within and outside of its originating culture. This can include retellings in literature, theater, film, and other art forms.
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RecognizabilityAssess how easily recognizable the characters, storylines, or motifs are even to those who may not be intimately familiar with the folklore.
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Global ReachDetermine the extent to which the folklore has spread beyond its original culture and has been embraced by other societies or incorporated into other cultural traditions.
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Influence on other worksExamine how the folklore has inspired other stories, myths, legends, or even real-world events or beliefs, both within and beyond its original culture.
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UniquenessConsider how innovative or unique the plot, narrative structure, or themes of the folklore are compared to other stories within the same or similar cultural contexts.
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ComplexityEvaluate the depth and complexity of the folklore, including its characters, themes, and morals, and how it reflects or comments on the culture and society it originates from.
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Emotional resonanceExamine the emotional impact of the folklore, whether it inspires fear, joy, sadness, or a sense of wonder, and assess how this contributes to its popularity.
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Educational and moral valuesConsider the lessons and moral values embedded within the folklore and how they have influenced the cultural and moral outlook of the societies that share the folklore.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular folklore. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Legend is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1582 views
- 177 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Legend once every 24 hours. The rank of each Legend is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular folklore
Folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community or culture. These tales are often passed down through generations and can vary greatly from one region to another. From mythical creatures to legendary heroes, folklore has captured the imagination of people for centuries. In today's world, folklore continues to be an important part of many cultures and is often celebrated through festivals, storytelling, and other forms of art. With so many different types of folklore to explore, it's no wonder that it remains one of the most popular topics for polls and rankings.
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