Abstract
As an ancient art and a tradition that is deeply embedded in Bhutanese culture, storytelling is a powerful vehicle for instilling values and connecting generations and communities. It is also a source of entertainment and amusement. Today, in many countries, revival storytelling groups are being formed as a means to rebuild family bonds. But does the purpose of storytelling go beyond entertainment, preserving and transmitting cultural values and building community? This paper will study a ritual called Gyalpo choedni (Expelling the Gyalpo) as a case to illustrate storytelling as a way to propitiate malicious spirits in order to keep malady and unhappiness causing spirits at bay and thereby to usher in happiness.
Recommended Citation
Dorji, Tandin
(2010)
"Ritualizing Story: A Way to Prevent Malicious Spirits from Causing Malady,"
Storytelling, Self, Society: Vol. 6:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/storytelling/vol6/iss1/6