How did pre-Islamic Arabic poetry preserve tribal history and values?

In pre-Islamic society, poetry served as the primary cultural record, often referred to as the "register of the Arabs" (dīwān al-ʿArab). Because this tradition was oral, it relied on poets and their dedicated reciters, known as rāwīs, to preserve and transmit tribal history and values across generations.123

The poet functioned as a vital tribal spokesperson and a "verbal weapon" who used their craft to:12

• Defend Tribal Honor: Poets extolled the chivalry, generosity, and bravery of their own tribesmen while pouring scorn on the foibles and weaknesses of enemies.12
• Commemorate Heroes: Fallen warriors were honored through the marthiyyah, or elegy, a genre where female poets like al-Khansāʾ played a prominent role in expressing communal grief and pride.13
• Reflect Bedouin Ideals: Poetry captured the harsh realities of desert life, emphasizing values such as bravery, revenge, and hospitality. Even the ṣuʿlūk (brigand) poets, who lived outside traditional tribal structures, contributed to this cultural identity by celebrating a life of solitude and hardship.21

Through these performances, poetry reinforced self-identity and communal aspirations, ensuring that the deeds and values of the tribe were immortalized.12