1. Omani Folktales
Folktales are important in every world culture. A society without stories about its beginnings, its heroes, and its deepest values is like a person without a name, a family without roots.

2. Historical Significance
Folktales are stories told by the common people.
a way to entertain
a functional tool
preserved important events -> carried the very memory of human collectives
served as models of morality, teaching people how to behave and relate to others

3. Contemporary significance
Art and Profession
al-hakawati
Can the art of storytelling be preserved? The last hakawati
Oman’s Ministry of Information
sought to revive folktale traditions through folk programs on radio and television;
Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (Washington, DC) sponsored the publication of this collection

4. Dhofar Location? Geographical characteristics?
Chief source of frankincense, incense, and myrrh.
Honey, figs, mangoes, cucumbers, frankincense, fishing

5. Shaq and Shurambaq, The Genie Bride, and The Sad Little Girl
What type of folktale is it (fairy tale, myth, legend/epic, tall tale, fable, religious story/parable)? 
What is the theme of the story?
How is the story acted out, and how does this help carry the story (animals, royalty, extremely poor/extremely rich, magical beings)?

6. Shaq and Shurambaq, The Genie Bride, and The Sad Little Girl
What is revealed about the generosity of spirit of the characters?  Would they serve as models for others to follow?
Using as many of the following qualities (caring, courage, piety, giving, faithfulness, fortitude, intelligence, hard work, patience, honesty, justice and fairness, perseverance, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, respect) as fit the story, what character traits seem to be valued in the story and culture?

7. Shaq and Shurambaq, The Genie Bride, and The Sad Little Girl
What is the lesson of this folktale? 
What is revealed about Dhofar’s culture through the folktale?  Do the stories have common elements with other places and people or are they specific to this culture?
Perfume, butter, camels, folk medicine – heated pieces of metal
Trust in God, acceptance and respect

8. Homework
Choose one of the two questions and respond briefly to it in our discussion forum. Write a comment to another post.
  Using a real-life scenario, write a description of how the story (choose one) fits a situation you have encountered or may encounter in the future. 
What insight does the story (choose one) provide in assisting a person to do the right thing?