The Roles and Functions of the Tales, Legends, and Narratives of the Tai Lue People in Ban Nayang Tai, Nambak District, Luang Prabang Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the roles and functions of tales, legends, and narratives as understood by the Tai Lue people of Ban Nayang Tai, Muang Nga district, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. This qualitative research was conducted by collecting data from 30 stories, which included 9 tales, 7 legends, and 14 narratives. Data were gathered through fieldwork, interviews, and documents recorded in the community. The collected data were translated into Thai and analyzed according to the concept of roles and functions using frameworks adapted.
The results revealed that: these stories fulfill four main roles and functions. Firstly, the role of providing entertainment and serving as a means of emotional release is most commonly found in tales, as they offer enjoyment and relaxation, making them widely appreciated and memorable among the Tai Lue people. Secondly, the role of offering education and instruction is most evident in narratives, as they teach lessons about cultural values, religious beliefs, and Buddhist practices that are central to the traditions of the Tai Lue community. Thirdly, the role of maintaining and preserving social norms is most prominent in legends, as they emphasize ethical values and behaviors that align with the societal framework, contributing to the structured social fabric of the Tai Lue people. Lastly, the role of explaining the origins and reasons behind rituals and ceremonies is also most evident in legends, as they provide historical and spiritual insights related to the history of the village, ancestral reverence, or beliefs in spirits and sacred natural phenomena. These stories serve as a crucial means of guiding ritual practices and preserving the worldview of the Tai Lue community.