Stories come in all different shapes and sizes. They come in different forms whether written, oral or pictorial; they are inspired by imagination, landscapes, legends, history, people, places, events, objects or things. Stories are wonderful things with the power to engage, inspire, and to move. Here are case-studies of different forms of stories, drawn told in different ways and deriving their inspiration from very different sources. Remember, all good stories require a good storyteller too!
Much, however, depends on the manner in which a story is told ; and thus far I may vouch for the writer. I have seriously resolved not to be tedious, unless I cannot help it; and so, if I do not prove amusing, it will be only because I am unfortunate enough to be dull. I shall have the merit of doing my best—and what writer ever did more? Hugh Miller Scenes and Legends of the North of Scotland. |
Every picture tells a storyEvery picture tells a story and often an image or photograph can be used very effective to elicit stories, memoirs, reminiscences in a technique called photo elicitation. This photo was used in gathering stories about the life of the lady in the black coat.
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Landscape as a storytellerThe landscape often shapes our perceptions, and grounds our reality. Many stories are derived from the environment around us, whether built or natural. This tale about Ben Macdui tells of legends and unexplained phenomena but also shows how landscape shapes our understanding.
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How an object tells a storyStories come from experiences but they also come from things and objects; an extraordinary tale can often lie behind a commonplace thing. Explore how an object can be used to tell a story by reading about what lies behind this little wooden bowl.
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The spoken wordThe oral tradition of storytelling is as important as the written form, and some might argue that it is more important. The oral tradition of storytelling is particularly important in northern Scotland. Explore this ghostly tale from Elgin to hear how much impact the spoken word can have.
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