Although the extant versions of these epics are generally considered the works of individual (but anonymous) poets, there is no doubt that they are based on their peoples' older oral traditions.
Ehkki nende eeposte säilinud versioone peetakse üksikute (kuid anonüümsete) luuletajate teosteks, rajanevad need kahtlemata vanemal rahvalikul suulisel traditsioonil.