Max Dashu - Titanides

The Importance of Oral Traditions and Memory

Oral traditions and memory play a crucial role in preserving cultural knowledge and transmitting information in ancient societies. Oral poetry, incantations, and mnemonic devices aid in the memory and transmission of important stories, laws, and ceremonies. Invoking the muses before the start of a poem was a common practice, highlighting the significance of memory in oral traditions. Scholars have confirmed that orature, as opposed to literature, provides a more accurate transmission of ancient information, as it avoids the errors introduced by scribes. The importance of memory is also reflected in the goddess Nemosene, who is associated with memory and invoked by epic poets. The power of memory is still evident in modern cultures, as evidenced by the continued mourning rituals performed by women and the preservation of oral traditions in various communities.