What is the oldest form of literature?

The oldest form of literature is oral literature. This encompasses stories, poems, songs, and other forms of verbal expression that were passed down through generations by word of mouth.

While it's challenging to pinpoint the exact origins of oral literature, it predates written forms by thousands of years. It's likely that oral storytelling began with early humans and has continued to evolve and adapt throughout history.

Here are some examples of early forms of oral literature:

* Myths and legends: Explanations of natural phenomena, origins of the world, and the deeds of gods and heroes.

* Folk tales: Stories passed down through generations that often teach moral lessons or entertain.

* Epic poems: Long, narrative poems that recount the deeds of heroes.

* Songs and ballads: Music accompanied by lyrics that often tell stories or express emotions.

Even after the development of writing, oral literature continued to be an important form of storytelling and cultural transmission in many societies.

Therefore, while we might not have the actual texts from the very beginnings of human communication, oral literature remains the oldest form of literature, representing the foundation upon which all other forms of literature are built.