Final answer:
Folktales persisted in oral form due to illiteracy and the absence of writing materials, and were crucial for transmitting culture, history, and morals. They were also favored for upholding tradition and the enjoyment of storytelling, as seen in the ongoing telling of the Santa Claus story for the joy and lessons it imparts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Folktales were told orally for many years because in ancient times, most people could not read or write, and there were few materials to write upon. These stories, passed down through generations, were critical for maintaining cultural continuity and identity. The oral tradition, including myths and tales, served to educate, entertain, and instill moral values. Oral storytelling was also a way to remember and repeat life's lessons, as they were easier to memorize when placed in rhyme and meter.
Furthermore, oral traditions preserved religious beliefs and historical knowledge. In societies like ancient Hawai'i and among Australian Indigenous peoples, for instance, storytelling and ritual performance were essential for connecting the present with the past. Animals often featured in these stories, teaching lessons and morals. Western cultures also have these tales, such as Chicken Little, which has been passed orally before being written down.
Lastly, the persistence of oral storytelling also reflects a preference for maintaining tradition and the pleasure derived from the telling itself. For example, Santa Claus is a modern myth that continues to be told, not because it's true, but because it brings joy and teaches the value of giving.