jutustelusta

Jutustelust refers to the art and practice of storytelling in Estonian culture. The term derives from the verb jutustada, meaning to tell a story, and from jutustustus, a tale, with jutustelu indicating the activity itself. It covers both oral narration and narrative creation in written form.

Estonian storytelling has deep roots in oral folklore, including legends, fairy tales, and regilaul—traditional runic-like songs used to convey myth and history. These oral forms were later collected and absorbed into written literature, shaping national identity and influencing authors, poets, and storytellers. The Estonian epic Kalevipoeg is a prominent example of how traditional storytelling informed literary culture.

Forms and contexts: ju tustelust unfolds in family gatherings, schools, theatres, radio, television, and online media, in live performance and in text-based formats. It encompasses direct oral narration, read-aloud storytelling, and digital storytelling, as well as the craft of composing short stories (jutustused) and longer prose.

Techniques and themes: storytellers rely on voice, tempo, gesture, and audience interaction to sustain attention and meaning. Common themes include nature, folklore, family, migration, humor, and moral reflection. Ethical and cultural considerations guide retellings, balancing preservation of tradition with contemporary interpretation and innovation.

See also: Estonian literature, folklore, oral tradition, regilaul.