The word "prologue" comes from the Greek language, where it was originally spelled "prologos." This word is a combination of two Greek words: "pro," which means "before," and "logos," which means "speech." So, in its original form, "prologos" meant "a speech before the main event."
In ancient Greek theater, the prologue was a speech given by an actor or chorus before the play began. It would typically provide some background information about the characters and plot, and would help the audience understand the context of the story they were about to see.
Over time, the word "prologue" came to be used more broadly to refer to any introductory section of a literary work, whether it was a play, a novel, or a poem. In this sense, a prologue serves a similar purpose as the original Greek prologos: to provide context and background information that will help the reader or viewer understand what's to come.
Today, prologues are common in many different types of literature, from classic plays like Romeo and Juliet to contemporary novels like Game of Thrones. They continue to be an important tool for writers who want to create a sense of anticipation and set the stage for their work.
