Epic narratives such as the Gilgamesh and the Mahabharata dominated storytelling traditions before written history. These tales, often passed down orally, encompass human experiences, morality, and societal values. They served not only as entertainment but also as vehicles for teaching lessons and preserving cultural memory. Through heroic journeys and divine interventions, these ancient epics helped shape communal identities, providing frameworks for understanding life's complexities and the human condition across various cultures.