Over at Mania.com, Niko Silvester presents a concise and well-written essay on the use of mythology, often associated with religion, and folklore in anime. The brunt of it focuses on context, including the definitions of these terms, which I find very interesting.
I want to add that the connotation of folklore is often old and ancient – I think people standing around a campfire telling stories in days gone by. But in reality, folklore can be very current. For instance, if your dad told you the story of your great-uncle saving three kids from drowning, but there is no newspaper article or other account to support this tale – you have folklore. It’s the unsupported side of history.
Silvester then discusses probably the most known intersection of folklore and mythology with anime and manga in Journey to the West. Take a read!
Folklore and Mythology as a Source for Anime and Manga – Mania.com
Folklore does exist even in our post modern world. When I see shows discussing ancient UFOs, cryptozoology, government and religous cabals, and conspiracies I put these down to contemporary folklore. These examples of shadow history are cultural gifts from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Not to say these concepts were created in the 20th century, but their current form was shaped and influenced by the people and events of the previous century.
Great point – I hadn’t thought about those topics as our “new” folklore. Thanks for the thoughts!