FOLK LITERATURE Fables, Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, Proverbs, Etiological Tales, Myths, and Legends

Folk Literature Folk literature is primarily oral rather than written. Transmits culturally significant information. There are seven types of folk literature.

Fables Talking animals Clear lesson Personification Definition: A brief story intended to teach a lesson, which utilizes animals. Characteristics: Talking animals Clear lesson Personification Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Folk Tales / Fairy Tales Definition: A fictional story intended for children, which includes far-fetched elements. Characteristics: Young protagonists Specialized intro. words (i.e. “once upon a time”) Folkloric figures (fairies, gnomes, etc.) Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Epics and Sagas Concerns something considered historical Definition: Long stories written in verse concerning historical events. Characteristics: Concerns something considered historical Involves gods or goddesses Written in verse Example: You get a FREEBIE!!!  THE ODYSSEY WHY?

Proverbs Typically no longer than a sentence Definition: A short, pithy saying intended to contain some wisdom. Characteristics: Typically no longer than a sentence Typically utilizes a form of metaphor (i.e. not literal) Contains a lesson Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Etiological Tales About origin, but not creation May be a type of myth Definition: Mythic tale intended to explain origin of practices Characteristics: About origin, but not creation May be a type of myth May explain myths Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Myths Religious Discusses gods/goddesses Presented as truth Definition: Stories with god or hero protagonists in a proto-world setting to explain natural events Characteristics: Religious Discusses gods/goddesses Presented as truth Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Legends Set in identifiable location and time Based on fact Definition: Stories based on historical events or figures Characteristics: Set in identifiable location and time Based on fact May utilize folkloric figures Example: Another freebie!!!!! King Arthur WHY?

THREE Primary Types of Myths

Origin (Cosmogony) About creation, not origin Presented as fact Definition: Myths concerning the creation of things or the world Characteristics: About creation, not origin Presented as fact Unseen mover sets creation in motion Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Destruction (Eschatology) Definition: Myths concerning the future destruction of the world or the origin of death Characteristics: Frequently involves a flood Presented as fact Frequently excludes one “good” family Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Culture Heroes (Soteriology) Definition: Myths concerning a hero, which provided mankind with a gift. Characteristics: Hero frequently dies or is tortured due to his/her gift Hero performs a miracle Hero goes against a greater power that they are generally associated with Example: You and a partner will identify which is which and WHY. 

Additional Info. There is frequently a lot of overlap with folk literature. Differences between Fairy Tales and other Folk Literature: Folk Tales record POOR people’s view of the world. Fairy Tales record WEALTHY people’s view of the world.

APPLICATION You will identify each reading selection using the CLASS COPY of the set of stories on your desk. Use the guided notes to help you determine which story fits under the category you choose to pair the story with. **You will not find an example of: Epic/Saga Legend Myth The last three stories coincide with the THREE types of the myths on the back page of the guided notes.