Rahvaluule

Rahvaluule, in Estonian scholarly usage, designates folklore or oral tradition—the body of traditional knowledge, beliefs, expressions, and practices passed down through generations by word of mouth and observation. It encompasses oral literature, myths, legends, fairy tales, folk songs, proverbs, riddles, jokes, as well as customary practices and ritual knowledge connected to daily life and the natural world. It is considered part of intangible cultural heritage and a key element of national identity.

Forms of rahvaluule include runo songs (regilaul), folk narratives, epic tales, legends about mythical figures, lullabies, children's rhymes, and proverbs; as well as dances, seasonal rituals, wedding and harvest customs, and traditional crafts. The boundaries between folklore and living culture are fluid, as contemporary creators reinterpret and perform traditional forms.

In Estonia, rahvaluule has been a central focus of scholarly study since the 19th century and remains a major field of fieldwork and archiving. Important collections are maintained by national institutions such as the Estonian Folklore Archives at the Estonian Literary Museum, which document thousands of oral texts, songs, and images. Researchers record elder storytellers, publish editions, annotate variants, and translate texts for academic and public use. With the advent of digital archives, thousands of items are accessible to scholars and the public.

Preservation and dissemination occur through education, cultural festivals, and media. The song festival and related repertoire have played a prominent role in sustaining language and community life, while contemporary musicians and authors draw on rahvaluule for creative works. Rahvaluule thus serves as a bridge between past and present, shaping language, art, and national consciousness.

See also: Regilaul, Kalevipoeg, Estonian mythology.