The Role of Folklore and Legends in Enriching Narrative Depth: A Study of Ingqumbo Yeminyanya (The Wrath of the Ancestors)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6697/18303

Keywords:

folklore, AmaMpondomise, Narrative depth, Novel, cultural identity, Storytelling

Abstract

This article examines the role of folklore and legends in enhancing the narrative depth of literature using the book Ingqumbo Yeminyanya (The Wrath of the Ancestors) as a reference point. The article examines how the authors skilfully use proverbs, idioms, poetry praise (izibongo), legends, and traditional storytelling to entertain readers and enhance the reading experience. It uses examples from the book to show how the customs and traditions of the AmaMpondomise are portrayed. The article examines how folklore and legends add to the story’s depth, the complexity of characters, and the richness of themes. Through a focus on the role of storytelling in novels, the article reveals the importance of folklore in developing a cultural identity within a rich literary landscape. It draws examples from the qualitative analysis of the book, Ingqumbo Yeminyanya (The Wrath of the Ancestors), to assess the influence of folklore and legends in developing its narrative depth. The findings of this article are that writers can use folklore to improve the narrative of a novel and enhance the reading experience of the readers of that specific book.

Author Biography

Andiswa Mvanyashe, Nelson Mandela University

Dr Andiswa Mvanyashe Position:  Senior Lecturer Department:  Languages and Literature Room:  Main Building 0315 Location:  South Campus Phone:  +21 41 504 4090 Email:  Andiswa.Mvanyashe2@mandela.ac.za Qualifications:  D-Litt (NMMU) Expertise:  Sociolinguistics, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gender related disciplines, IsiXhosa for beginners 1, Literary Theory and Research Responsibilities:  (IPIB101), (IILC102), (LBX1002), (LXLV401),(LXSV401), (LXPV121) and PG supervision.

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Mvanyashe, Andiswa. 2024. “The Role of Folklore and Legends in Enriching Narrative Depth: A Study of Ingqumbo Yeminyanya (The Wrath of the Ancestors)”. Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies 33 (2):20 pages . https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6697/18303.

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Articles