Abstract

Clan origin narratives constitute a distinctive component of Kho Mu folklore, reflecting the traditional worldview, belief systems, and social organization of the Kho Mu people. This article identifies the corpus of clan origin narratives among the Kho Mu in northern Vietnam and analyzes the cultural values preserved within them. Drawing on published materials and ethnographic fieldwork, the study employs statistical, classification, analytical-synthetic, and comparative methods, together with an interdisciplinary approach combining folklore studies and cultural anthropology. The findings show that these narratives not only explain the origins and formation of clans but also reflect totemic beliefs, conceptions of ancestors, customary prohibitions and taboos, kinship relations, exogamous marriage, and traditional knowledge of interactions with the natural environment. They also help preserve collective memory, educate younger generations, and strengthen ethnic identity.

Keywords: Clan origin narratives, ethnic culture, kho Mu people, northern Vietnam, totemic beliefs.