Storytelling appears to be a universal aspect of both past and present cultures. Comparative study of traditional narratives from widely separated epochs and diverse cultures reveals common themes such as creation, tribal origin, mystical beings and quasi-historical figures, and common story types such as fables and tales in which animals assume human personalities.
Certain human concerns and interests arise in all of the world's cultures is the statement that is most supported by the evidence cited above from the study of traditional narratives.