Folklore is the study of traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and practices that are passed down orally within a community or culture. It encompasses a wide range of subjects, including myths, legends, superstitions, folk tales, music, dance, and rituals. Folklore scholars examine how these cultural expressions shape and reflect the values, beliefs, and identities of a particular group of people. They often study folklore in the context of social, historical, and cultural dynamics to better understand the ways in which traditions are created, transmitted, and preserved within a given society.