THE POWER OF A STORY

Abstract

What role do stories play in culture? How do sto- ries shape collective identity, values, and behavior? Who are the storytellers, and through which media do narratives circulate and acquire power? This article examines storytelling as a foundational mechanism of cultural formation, communication, and influence. Drawing on historical examples, media theory, and reflective observations, the study explores how stories function across time — from early oral traditions to contemporary mass and digital media — and how they are used in religion, politics, propaganda, and psychological operations. The article argues that stories are not merely cultural artifacts but active forces that shape perception, social cohesion, and conflict.