Children’s Literature A look at Folk Literature Worldwide

What is Folk Literature?

 Different types of stories that are passed on from generation to generation typically through word of mouth.  Today, many of these stories have been made into to picture books for children and youth. Folk Literatures are…

Legend-a popular traditional story that seems to be historic but might not be. Types of Folk Literature Folktale- is told orally. Fairy Tale- a story about magic that takes place in an imaginary world. Fable-a short story usually with animals that teaches a moral. Myth- a traditional story that explains a natural phenomenon.

Even though folk literature can be specific to one person’s culture, it can be that similar versions of these folktales are found all across the world.  Example:  Cinderella Folk Literature Around the World

How to tell if a story is part of folk literature ?

 A reader can tell if a story is part of Folk Literature by common elements as:  Setting  Characters  Plot  Theme/Conflict  Style of the writing. How do I tell if a story is part of Folk Literature?

 Time and place of the action.  Does not usually take place in the “real world”.  Usually starts with “A long time ago” or “Once upon a time”.  The setting is usually vague. For example taking place “in a land far away”.  The scenery in the story usually reflects the folk tale’s culture. For example, Jungles in Africa, or cottages and forest in Europe. Setting

 Person or an animal who takes part in the action of a literary work.  Characters are usually flat.  Usually characters are completely good or evil. The reader will easily determine if they are good or evil.  Characters are typically motivated by one thing. For example, greed, love, or jealousy.  Physical characteristics define the character.  Disguises are common. Characters

 The sequence of events involving characters and a central conflict.  Typically short and simple.  Repetition is common.  For example, the number 3  Three pigs  Three wishes  Happy endings are common.  “They lived happily ever after”. P lot

 Theme is an unifying idea, image, or motif, repeated or developed throughout a work.  Conflict is a state of opposition between ideas, interests, etc.; disagreement or controversy.  Similar to Greek mythology themes.  Simple and powerful.  Teach lessons such as :  Growing up.  Importance of generosity and compassion. Theme & Conflict

 Minimal description.  Use similar opening and closing lines  “Once upon a time,” “In a land far away,” “They lived happily ever after”  Magic and Royalty are common.  Repeat phrases or are rhythmic at times.  Dialogue is used frequently. Style

Examples

 Cinderella  Pepelyouga  Sodewa Bai  The Wicked Stepmother  Cendrillon Example Cinderella

Example The Three Little Pigs

BB runhild. WW adiah. TT he Enchanted Sleep. Examples Sleeping Beauty

CONCLUSION Folk literature are stories passed down by word of mouth among members of a generation to another and as a cultural universal. Folk literature is a collection of tales that includes myths, legends, fables, and faire tales. Many folk literature are well known around the world and it often teaches a moral lesson. Setting, characters, plot, theme and conflict are elements of folk literature.

 Sur La Lune Fairytales - Great source for fairy tales with lists of similar tales from different cultures. Sur La Lune Fairytales  Common Elements of Fairy Tales (.pdf file) - A document on elements that are found in all fairy tales throughout the world. Common Elements of Fairy Tales (.pdf file)  Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts - A list of folk and fairy tales by categorized topic or theme. Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts  World of Tales - A website that categorizes different tales by geographic origin. World of Tales  Los Cuentos De Mi Tia Panchita - A website on the classic Latin American folktale (website in Spanish). Los Cuentos De Mi Tia Panchita  Aaron's World of Stories - A website with folktales from around the world. Aaron's World of Stories  Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales - A site created by Scholastic that explores different types of stories from around the world and also how to create them. Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales  Folktales: A treasure of folktales from around the world - A site that contains many international folktales for children. Folktales: A treasure of folktales from around the world Online Resources