How “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Really Gets at the Core of the Appalachian Ballad

Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Photo Credit: Murray Close

Appalachian ballads, with their haunting melodies and poignant storytelling, have deep roots in the cultural tapestry of the United States. These traditional folk songs have endured for generations, passed down through oral traditions, preserving the history, struggles, and triumphs of the people who called the Appalachian region home. Suzanne Collins, in her novel (and new movie) "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," draws on the rich heritage of these ballads to weave a narrative that delves into the complexities of power, survival, and the human spirit.

The Appalachian region has a diverse cultural heritage shaped by Native American, European, and African influences. In this melting pot of traditions, a unique musical form emerged – the Appalachian ballad.

These ballads tell stories of love and loss, hardship and perseverance, often drawing inspiration from the everyday lives of the people in the region. The ballad tradition is characterized by its simplicity, with lyrics that resonate with universal themes and melodies passed down from one generation to the next. Through this oral transmission, the ballads became a living archive of the Appalachian people's experiences. Most of my personal favorites were introduced to me as a small child by my grandmother, and their stories are just as meaningful to me now as I’m sure they were to her at my age. At the top of the list, you’d find Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” and Tia Blake’s “Turtle Dove.”

Appalachian ballads cover a broad spectrum of themes, reflecting the challenges and joys of life in the region. Love and betrayal, the struggles of everyday life, and the pursuit of justice are recurring motifs. The ballads often serve as a form of storytelling, preserving the history and culture of the Appalachian people in a musical format.

The stark beauty of the Appalachian landscape and the resilience of its inhabitants are frequently portrayed in these ballads. The melodies are both haunting and soulful, conveying a deep connection to the land and the people. This musical tradition has endured over centuries, providing a cultural anchor for those who call Appalachia home.

Suzanne Collins, known for her immensely popular "Hunger Games" trilogy, takes a unique approach in her prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Set in the dystopian world of Panem, the story explores the early years of Coriolanus Snow, the future President Snow. Against the backdrop of the Capitol's struggle to rebuild after the Dark Days and the Districts' poverty caused by the oppression of the Capitol, Collins weaves a tale of ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power.

In a society where control is maintained through the annual Hunger Games, the term "ballad" takes on a sinister twist. It becomes a symbol not only of music and tradition but also of the Capitol's manipulation of the narrative to suit its own agenda.

The connection between "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and Appalachian ballads lies in the thematic resonance and the exploration of the human experience. The novel and movie both serve as a platform to delve into the darker aspects of power dynamics, a theme that echoes through many traditional ballads. The ending, (spoiler alert!) sends off vibes of Tom Dooley’s story with Laura Foster, with other traditional ballads played within the story such as “Down in the Valley” and “Oh My Darlin’ Clementine.”

The Appalachian ballad tradition often portrays the struggles of everyday life, and this theme is mirrored in Collins' tale. As the characters navigate the challenges of the Hunger Games and the cutthroat world of the Capitol, the reader witnesses the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to survive. The story's exploration of survival echoes the resilience portrayed in the ballads of Appalachia, with Lucy Gray Baird often singing tales both of her own life and of those long past, shocking the decidedly higher-class Capitol with how they, too, relate to the same themes and tales.

Appalachian ballads frequently delve into questions of justice and morality. Similarly, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" explores the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly Coriolanus Snow. The story forces readers to question the nature of power and the morality of the decisions made in its pursuit, paralleling the moral quandaries presented in Appalachian ballads.

In both the ballad tradition and Collins' story, music and storytelling play a crucial role. The ballads of Appalachia serve as a form of cultural preservation and storytelling, passing down the history and values of a community. In "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," the manipulation of narratives and the use of the term "ballad" within the context of the Hunger Games highlight the power of storytelling as a tool for control.

"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" by Suzanne Collins weaves a complex narrative that resonates with the timeless themes found in Appalachian ballads. Her work's exploration of power, survival, and morality draws parallels with the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region, where ballads have served as a means of preserving the stories and struggles of a community. By incorporating elements of this musical tradition, Collins adds depth and cultural resonance to her dystopian tale, creating a work that reflects not only the realities of a fictional world but also the enduring truths of the human experience.