Final answer:
Riddles connect to other forms of oral literature through common features like metaphor, wordplay, and patterned language that enhance memorization and meaning. They are part of cultural education and morality teachings, with riddles requiring active interpretation similar to myths and oral narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection of riddles to other forms of oral literature lies in their shared features, such as the use of metaphor, wordplay, and structured language patterns, which aid in memorization and conveyance of deeper meanings or messages.
Riddles, like much of oral literature, are not merely a source of entertainment; they engage listeners intellectually and prompt them to think critically. In historical contexts such as the Anglo-Saxon period, riddles were a part of the rich oral tradition and played a role in the education and cultural transmission among the populace who were mostly illiterate.
Riddles stimulate the mind in a manner akin to the poems and stories of Greek mythology that encoded societal values and norms. The act of solving a riddle requires active engagement and interpretation, comparable to understanding the underlying messages within myths and oral narratives.
The rhetorical devices and language patterns used in riddles, such as rhyme, meter, and metaphor, share similarities with other oral literature forms, being mnemonic tools that facilitate the recitation and preservation of these works within the community.
Through riddles, listeners are also acquainted with the role of tricksters and other characters, which teaches lessons about human nature and society. This serves both an entertainment and educational function, shaping the morals and behaviors of individuals within the culture.