What is Folklore? Folklore are traditional beliefs, and stories passed down through generations. Why was it important to have folklore in the 1800's? There was no T.V, radios, or internet that kept people busy. Also most people didn't have the ability to read a complex book. They depended on people word to mouth stories. The stories/traditions created ideas, mass hysteria, and importantly, the entertainment for people in the 1800's. Here are few examples that people would have heard during the 1800's