In an era when the art of storytelling is enjoying a revival, this course explores a range of predominantly oral traditions that weave together stories and songs. Although the two epic Indian stories, the Ramayana and the Mahabaratha will be discussed, the principal focus is on Western traditions (mostly European), featuring repertoires from Spain, France, Scandanavia, Georgia, Sicily, Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland. Among the songs/stories to be studied are the Rhinegold curse, the earliest surviving lament of Dido, the `lay of Atilla the Hun¿ from the Old Icelandic Edda; songs and stories associated with the court of King Arthur, as well as shorter narrative songs from Celtic and other European traditions.