Griots vs. Written History: Is there Really a Difference

The Griots, wonderful elements of the sub-Saharan African culture, were story tellers who passed stories, tall tales and historical accounts to one another through only oral communication. But how do the Griots compare to written history sources, such as religious books or textbooks? Well, the Griots had just as much ability to change the story as did anyone who wrote down history, and we have seen first hand through the descriptions of India in our textbook that historical accounts often exaggerate the splendor of the accomplishments of man or the splendor of an empire. So what is the difference between writing these exaggerations and spreading them through word of mouth. The real noticeable change, I think, happens when a culture dies out. If a griot passed away and his stories had not been relayed to another griot, then there is a good chance the culture and stories he carried would die with him. In comparison, written history can remain long after a scribe dies, and as long and the language doesn't become extinct than the texts can be deciphered. The other downside to griots is the change that happens as stories are passed down. Exaggerations become greater and the story is muddled every time that it is told, where as once an account is written those are the exaggerations that will be read and analyzed in the future. Overall, I think griots are a great source of culture, stories and entertainment, but I think that accounts that are used and relied on should come from a written source. Even though those written sources may only be ever so slightly more reliable that the oral traditions passed from generation to generation. I think the story of the reconstruction of Niani, passed down through griots, attests to how some details may be enhanced or exaggerated, but perhaps the main plot is left intact through generations of Griots. However, we are here reading it on paper, not receiving it through word of mouth, and if we had to sit down, memorize it and pass it down, how much would change and how? In conclusion, text history is the way to go.