What role do myths and legends play in The Story Collector?

What role do myths and legends play in The Story Collector?

Myths and legends are a part of Irish culture. I found that when visiting Ireland with my parents several years ago. Ireland truly is a magical l,ace and I, for one, wiuks not have missed kissing the Blarney Stone.

Doing some research after finishing the book, I learned that Irleand's people believe in a great deal of fantasy. Leprechauns have been with us forever and growing up without them would have been no fun. Life is so complex now, once in a while I need to get lost in fantasy even if its just reaqding a book.

Myths and legends play a role in every culture. Without the myths and legends, there would be nothing magical to believe in and use them to explain the things that happen without reason.

I agree with tillieh. All cultures have legends, stories passed down and saved. Look at our simple legends of Johnny Appleseed or Paul Bunyan. Their stories are still told to school children.

Myths and legends are in the forefront in this story, especially the myth that certain people will meet with misfortune within a year after they get too close to the fairies. How is it possible the fairies can predict death within a year?

I was reminded of Anne Rice’s vampires who had all kinds of familiar quirks but also some very new and interesting ones.
Fairies, leprechauns, changelings and such are magical but slightly enhanced in a different way.

Myths, legends and stories all serve to connect us. They help explain what we try to understand.

The central role! I think that was the basis of the entire story, and so many cultures have their myths and legends...I love how the stories entertwined with the folklore of Ireland.

THE role.

Again, I benefit from coming late to this discussion and reading all the comments. (a wedding, travel & a new puppy has captured most of my time) I was in Ireland last year & loved all the stories, myths, legends. They abound in every culture & reading this book focused mostly on fairies -does anyone doubt TinkerBell? The fairy connection in this story is the most central part of the theme. A delightful read!

Legends and myths play important roles in Ireland. St. Patrick, no snakes, fairies, leprechauns, magic trees, and more. If people won't even cut down a tree because of mythical beliefs it says a lot about their culture. Ireland isn't the only country with myths and legends, most countries have many beliefs in their culture. But I like the Irish legends. They seem to be more whimsical than others.

The Irish will not cross over fairy rings, cut down trees, won't annoy fairies for fear of reprisals and hold onto their tales even today. Seems like they play important roles in Irish life.