Folktales, myths, and legends

Folklore and Traditional Literature Folklore consists of a people group (or “folk”) and all of its accumulated facts (“lore”) including: traditional customs, beliefs, knowledge, values, and attitudes of the ordinary people. Folk + Lore = Folklore

A folk's lore is communicated by word of mouth until it is transcribed (written down); this is called “oral tradition.” Before people groups had written languages, oral tradition was the only means of preserving the history of a people and its culture.

Traditional Literature Folktales, myths, and legends are only one part (the literary part) of a folk's lore. Folktales are a society's narratives, stories, and literature. They are the stories that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Folklore Folk-tales Customs values legends Beliefs myths Facts

The science of folklore was born when collectors ("folklorists") began collect-ing items to preserve the lore and his-tory of various people groups. The birth of this science began in the early 19th century and is most often attributed to the Brothers Grimm, known best for their collection of what are now well-known fairy tales: Red Riding Hood, Snow-White, Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, etc.

Examples of Folklore How do you cure the hiccups? What do you do at a birthday party? What is done with the bride’s bouquet at a wedding? How can you “magically” predict the gender of an unborn baby?

Examples of Folklore How do you make s’mores (“somemores”)? How do you build a snowman? What do you say when you smile for a picture?

What is a Folk Tale? A folk tale is a story with no known author that usually teaches a lesson. Examples of American folktales include: Brer Rabbit, Paul Bunyan, Three Billy Goats Gruff, etc.

What is a myth? A myth is a story that usually explains something about the world and involves gods and other superhuman beings. Examples include: Medusa’s Head, Prometheus Bringer of Fire, Iliad & Odyssey

What is a Legend? A legend is a story often believed to be true and in which the characters are usually considered historical by some. Examples include Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Pecos Bill.

Motifs in Traditional Literature A motif is a recurring thematic element. lt is the smallest element in a tale having the power to persist in tradition. ln order to have this power, it must have something unusual or striking or universal about it.

Some common motifs: Magical powers Transformation Making a deal with the devil Wishes Trickery

Three Ways Motifs Appear in Literature: Characters Example: The "underdog" brother (or sister), Prince Charming, the damsel in distress, etc.

Three Ways Motifs Appear in Literature: Plot lncident Examples: The magic kiss, the long sleep, the journey, the difficult task, etc.

Three Ways Motifs Appear in Literature: Objects Examples: Hair, ring, water, magic cooking pot, flying carpets, etc.

VoiceThread Questions Do children still enjoy hearing stories? Do to- day’s young people tell stories? Is this story tell- ing? Why or why not? How does it differ from face to face story tell-ing? Do you think these people are telling stories or just goofing around & partying?

As a culture, do we still believe myths, legends, folktales. Tell them As a culture, do we still believe myths, legends, folktales? Tell them? Pass them on to other generations? Should we? Why do we or don’t we?

Myths are not true or untrue—they're living or dead.” DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? WHY?... “Myths are stories, and we find meaning in our lives through the stories we tell. Myths are not true or untrue—they're living or dead.” --Phil Cousineau Once & Future Myths