Untitled Flashcards Set

Folkloric Tradition

A cultural practice that includes folk epics and narratives, often rooted in the history and customs of a group.

Sira

A narrative form that encompasses the life stories and achievements of notable individuals or heroes within a cultural context.

Sirat Banu Hilal

An important Arabic folk epic known for its rich storytelling and cultural significance.

ʿAntara ibn Shaddad

A famous Arab folk hero and black poet from the pre-Islamic period, known for his love story and feats of bravery.

Themes of Arabic Folk Epics

Common themes include adventure, love, wars, feats of courage, and moral integrity.

Cafés of Old Arabian Cities

Locations such as Damascus where folk epics are still narrated, preserving oral tradition.

Epic of Princess Dhat al-Himma

An Arabic epic that explores the typology of the warrior woman.

Epic of al-Dahir Baibars

A long Egyptian folkloric epic poem that narrates the life and heroic deeds of Sultan al-Zahir Baibars.

ʿAntara's Emancipation

ʿAntara's journey from being regarded as a slave to achieving freedom and marrying his love, ʿAbla.

Importance of Folkloric Epics

These narratives have preserved their attraction over time and are available in libraries and printings across Arab cities.