Discuss the role of storyteller as presented in "The Zebra Storyteller."

Spencer Holst, the author of "The Zebra Storyteller," tells readers the exact role of a storyteller in the last lines of the text:

"He took a good look at the cat, and he didn’t know why, but there was something about his looks he didn’t like, so he kicked him with a hoof and killed him. That is the function of the storyteller."

In the story, a Siamese cat pretends to be a lion and goes around killing zebras. He speaks "inappropriate Zebraic." During one event, the cat comes across a zebra and speaks to it. The zebra is "fit to be tied," and the cat kills the zebra. The cat continues to kill many zebras, making neckties and belts from their hides.
The story then changes a little. It shifts focus to "the storyteller of the zebras," who is pondering a new story. The zebra thinks that it would make a good story to tell of a cat who speaks the language of the zebras. It just so happens that the Zebraic-speaking cat crosses the path of the storytelling zebra. The zebra is not surprised by this cat, because it was just thinking of this, and it decides it does not like the looks of the cat and kills it.
Therefore, the purpose, or role, of the storyteller is to anticipate and prepare the audience for the unexpected. If one expects something to happen, then he or she will not be surprised and will know how to react in the situation. In the end, it is the role of the storyteller to think up the impossible and prove its possibility. By passing the now-possible story on, listeners are prepared for the unexpected.
Outside of the text in question, stories are told for a few different reasons. First, these stories allow us to make connections with others who have experienced what we have not yet experienced. This allows us to feel connected to others around us and gain knowledge regarding how to deal with a situation we have no experience with. Secondly, stories are meant to teach lessons. Through morality stories, readers are taught about the decisions they must make in life and what the possible outcomes could be. Lastly, stories offer escape. Some stories are meant to allow readers some space between reality and fantasy.