Roles and Functions of Stories and Myths of Lansaka District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

     This research aimed to study the roles and functions of stories and myths of Lansaka District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. This research is a qualitative research method, researching and compiling both written data and field data, including documents and research related to stories and legends. Field data was collected in the research area using participant observation, non-participant observation, and in-depth interviews with 30 key informants aged 40 years and over. There have been settlements in the area for at least 10 years to obtain information on stories and true legends of the community. They must be folk philosophers, community leaders, or villagers who have good knowledge in conveying stories and legends and presenting research results descriptively and analytically.
     The research showed that the stories and Myths in Lansaka have four roles:  1. Lifestyle and Career: the stories and myths were relevant to the careers relying on sacred things used to protect and keep safe. 2. Its role is to provide knowledge, transferring culture in terms of culture and traditions related to the way of life of southern people, including rituals for sacrificing sacred things, and the respect and respect of the villagers create rituals according to beliefs. To worship and make offerings to sacred things and to transmit culture through literary stories. 3.The role and responsibility of local history education are connected to history. The history of the community, the origins of the community, and the history of the creation of important places in the community. 4. Roles and duties in building social relationships, stories, and legends create relationships in the community that unite them as one.