The Role of Folklore in Modern Culture

This paper examines the multifaceted role of folklore in shaping and reflecting modern culture. Folklore, encompassing oral traditions, myths, rituals, and artistic expressions, is more than a vestige of the past—it is an active, evolving force that continues to influence literature, media, identity, and social values. By examining folklore through historical, literary, and anthropological lenses, the paper highlights how traditional narratives are adapted and preserved in modern contexts, such as film, digital media, and community practices. It also investigates the tension between preservation and transformation, particularly in light of globalization and changing cultural dynamics. The study demonstrates that folklore is not merely a record of cultural memory but a living dialogue between tradition and innovation, deeply embedded in the formation of group identity, artistic expression, and collective values. Keywords: Folklore, cultural identity, oral traditions, modern media, rituals, mythology, ethnography.