Why did printers begin to publish popular ballads and folk tales with illustrated pictures?

Printers began to publish popular ballads and folk tales with illustrated pictures for several reasons:

1. Accessibility: Illustrations made these stories more accessible to people who were illiterate or had limited literacy skills. During the time when these ballads and folk tales were being published, not everyone could read or write. Illustrations helped to convey the story to those who couldn't read the text.

2. Engagement: Pictures also made the stories more engaging and interesting, especially for children. They helped to bring the story to life and made it easier for readers to imagine the scenes and characters.

3. Marketing: From a business perspective, illustrated stories were more attractive and likely to sell better. The pictures could catch a potential buyer's eye and make the book stand out from others.

4. Tradition: Many of these stories were traditionally told orally, often with gestures and expressions that added to the storytelling. Illustrations could help to capture some of this non-verbal communication and preserve the traditional way the story was told.

5. Education: Finally, these illustrated stories often had moral lessons or teachings. The pictures could help to reinforce these messages and make them more memorable for the reader.