The power of symbolism in Ateso folktales

Abstract

This research article investigates the various Ateso folktales (narratives) and the aspect of symbolism embedded in them.It discusses the Teso narratives and the symbols used in them to bring out the traits of characters in the Folktales and the major ideas or themes in them.Some other stylistic devices that have been used in this Folktales are also indentified. A major purpose for this study is due to limited research and appreciation of the literariness of folktales in Teso communities. Teso is being consumed by the Western culture and have forgotten the benefit ofthese tales to us and by carrying it as it, I hope someone finds it and appreciates the various benefits and beauty of these tales. This study uses quantitative analysis techniques. The studyobserves performance and then recorded them, had focus groups, interviews and others, hence collection of folktales. The study collects about 8 Ateso folktales and analyses each of these tales on a literary basis of the plot, theme, character and stylistic devices used.