What purpose did poetry serve in human societies, before poems were mostly written down?

Question

Poems were used to keep records of legal and financial transactions.

Poems were used to transfer wealth among members of royal families.

Poems were used by political leaders to communicate their country’s goals.

Poems were used to preserve history and to celebrate elements of culture.

Answer 1

Before poems were mostly written down, poetry served several important purposes in human societies, particularly in the realm of preserving history and celebrating culture. Oral traditions were essential for passing down stories, values, and communal knowledge from generation to generation. Poets and storytellers would use rhythmic and mnemonic devices to make the narratives easier to remember, ensuring that important events, beliefs, and cultural practices were retained within the community.

Thus, the most accurate statement would be that poems were used to preserve history and to celebrate elements of culture. This function of poetry helped to maintain a shared identity and continuity within societies, as well as to convey moral lessons, communal values, and significant events.