Abstract:
Romanian folklore has undergone a significant evolution in its perception and valorization over time, exerting a profound and varied influence on formal literature. Before the advent of written books and the chroniclers' recording of historical events and heroes’ deeds, folk storytellers created legends, ballads, fairy tales, proverbs, sayings, all of which later formed the basis of the narratives of many penmen. The interest in folklore became apparent with the first manifestations of written literature, both in religious texts and in the writings of Moldovan chroniclers Grigore Ureche, Miron Costin, and fully fructified later by Ion Neculce. Analyzing the chroniclers' attitudes towards their folkloric sources reveals the beginnings of folkloric activity that will expand in the coming decades. The methodology of using folklore in formal literature involves understanding cognitive functions, the ethical value of folklore, careful material selection, comparing sources, and ensuring documentary accuracy, albeit the chroniclers used it rather intuitively. Their work, centered on folklore, both thematically and stylistically, will be a unique presence in our literary heritage, constituting an undeniable historical and artistic source for writers of future generations.
