Ballad

Shaped by oral transmission and traditional in form, the ballad is a short verse story meant to be sung. It is a narrative folk song and is likely to be a compound of folklore, legend and local history. Although the ballad belongs to the folk, it is neither primitive nor barbaric but rather the product of accomplished and literary-conscious poets. Almost always ballads were sung and were often accompanied by instrumental music. They were not simply recited or told, but given interpretation and emotional power by the accompanying melody.