sukutarinoihin

Sukutarinoihin is a term used in Finnish folklore studies to designate a domain of narratives that center on family lineages and kinship ties. The word derives from suku (family/lineage) and tarina (story), with the illative plural suffix -iin indicating movement into or consideration of such stories as a category.

Definition and scope: Sukutarinoihin refers to narratives that recount ancestral origins, genealogical events, migrations, marriages, and notable family figures; often transmitted orally within households and communities across generations. They function as tools of memory, identity construction, and social belonging, linking individuals to places, ancestors, and traditional values.

Form and motifs: The narratives are frequently episodic, with recurring generations, place names, and personal anecdotes. They may blend historical memory with embellishment or locally grounded myth-making. Common motifs include legitimizing lineage, explaining surname origins, and preserving family reputations—both positive and cautionary.

Transmission and context: Sukutarinoihin are typically shared in informal settings—domestic gatherings, storytelling evenings, or rites of passage. In some communities, elders curate “family chronicles” for future descendants. Researchers record and analyze these tales as informal oral histories and as part of broader genealogical traditions.

Relation to other genres: They intersect with oral history, biographical storytelling, and family sagas found in other cultures. Unlike broad legends, sukutarinoihin emphasize kinship networks and lineage memory, often anchored in concrete places and dates.

See also: oral history, family saga, genealogy, Finnish folklore.