Most Important Stories Ever Told

Submitted by lukeprog on Sun, 07/04/2004 - 08:51
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  1. Probably none of these were the first to do what they did in the history of human storytelling, but they are the most representative and popular of early works with their influence on modern storytelling. Writings of historical record (Moses, etc.) and music with little story content (Linus, etc.) are ignored.

  3. Oedipus the King by Sophocles - wherein a flawed hero pursues a need but is obstructed by himself and others. Aeschylus may be the father of tragedy, but Sophocles' Oedipus the King is the basis of all dramatic structure. The play also introduced psychology to conflict. Sophocles was also the first to use more than two characters, and Oedipus the King is his most important work.
  4. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - wherein the love of two is challenged by circumstance and disposition. Certainly not the first love story, but easily the most popular. The basis of nearly every romance in any kind of story.
  5. Cinderella (traditional) - wherein a likeable, oppressed hero is empowered to achieve their greatest wish. One of the most-used storylines ever.
  6. Jack and the Beanstalk (traditional) - wherein a hero is driven by need into an unfamiliar and dangerous world, satisfies his need, and escapes to safety. The basis for every 'fish out of water' tale, and every spy/heist story, among others.
  7. The Odyssey by Homer - wherein a hero embarks on an epic quest and is repeatedly obstructed by an antagonist. The basis of every adventure tale, along with many others.
  8. The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - wherein a flawed hero achieves redemption by enduring trials. Themes of redemption are popular in American storytelling.
  9. The Epic of Gilgamesh - if only because it's the earliest surviving fictional tale.