How does interactive media preserve folklore?

Abstract

Traditional folklore has evolved and refined as new elements are infused and discarded unnecessary details. In this thesis, the methods through which interactive media will preserve and benefit folklore were addressed and assessed. The focus was the fearful witch Baba Yaga from the folktale Vasilisa the Beautiful, The Crones from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt videogame, and Deathless Mother character from The Witcher Netflix series. The Witcher franchise is a “folkloresque” product that has an almost reciprocal relationship with folklore, which has provided a sense of authenticity to the former, in return for the preservation of the latter. The Witcher was used as an example of modifying the new and the old together and blending them together: how was it presented and replicated in various media and across numerous platforms.

Folk stories are constantly retold in new ways, and through various devices (both literary and media) that are relevant to their epoch. YouTube is one of the biggest discussion and video platforms where both consumers and creators share their experiences of popular media. While YouTubers have provided knowledge and experiences for the viewers, memes show what people have found important with a twist of humor.

Through a study of the characteristics of folklore and folkloresque products, and an analysis of the nature of interactive and social media, this thesis concludes that such products and media have helped to preserve folklore; albeit perhaps not in a style that is always immediately recognizable, to those more familiar with their (not quite original) traditional format. The stories and characters will be in different forms and better adapted to the current era.