Eco-Sustainability and Orality: A Study of Nzanmongi Jasmine Patton’s A Girl Swallowed by a Tree

Nestled on the central hills of the Northeast Indian state of Nagaland, the indigenous ethnic group, the Lotha Naga, is renowned for its colorfully rich tapestry of folktales, passed down through generations. A Girl Swallowed by a Tree: Lotha Naga Tales Retold (2017), the first published English collection by Nzanmongi Jasmine Patton, exhibits the Lotha-Naga culture, the profound reverence for nature, and the enduring connection to the environment. Patton’s compilation of thirty folktales not only portrays the complexities and richness of daily Lotha life, but also unveils their ecological philosophy. This philosophy holds potential for practical solutions to environmental challenges and promotes a holistic approach to sustainability. This paper delves into the Lotha Nagas’ ecological values as reflected in their oral traditions. It argues that such knowledge presented in literature offers valuable insights into sustainable solutions. The research explores the Lotha Nagas’ ecological wisdom embedded in their oral tradition, a knowledge base often overlooked despite its potential for sustainable solutions. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of literature in presenting sustainability narratives, a theme often under-examined within literary scholarship.