Characteristics of folktales Some well-known folktales What is a folktale? Characteristics of folktales Types of folktales Some well-known folktales

What is a folktale? story that began with oral storytelling passed down through the ages teaches a lesson explains why things are as they are

Characteristics of Folktales simple and straightforward includes magic or supernatural powers to explain the unexplainable characters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, laziness problems and conflicts are clear Rule of 3: Items happen in sets of 3 (3 characters, events, or test the character must overcome. ending usually happy or satisfying good usually rewarded, evil punished

Common Elements of a Folktale: THEMES Characters go through tests to prove something (the good characters must solve a problem) Good vs. Evil (has characters that are good, others are bad) Good is rewarded and evil is punished in the end (tales have a happy ending)

Common Elements of a Folktale: Characterization Characters change only after they have gone through the lesson learned during the course of the story The hero is usually young and fair, kind, brave, unselfish, and may possess some sort of special power Magic Helpers, such as the Fairy Godmother, allow for things to occur in a story that would otherwise be impossible.

Common Elements of a Folktale: Setting Place is usually described easily and briefly, leaving the imagination to fill in the gaps. For example, folktales take place in a cottage in the woods or in a magical kingdom. Time is fantasy time, such as Once upon a time, or A long time ago.

Types of Folktales Trickster tales Fables Why “Pourquoi” stories Fairytales

Trickster Tales One character (the protagonist or trickster) is clever and devious causes problems for another is usually unpunished Different cultures have specific tricksters

Tricksters from Different Cultures

Fables Short stories teach a lesson or moral animal characters with human characteristics stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfied some have several layers of meaning (Indian tales) Morals are not stated directly, but needs to be

Why “Porquoi” Stories Explain WHY something is as it is Explain HOW things came to be *** Most myths and tall tales are considered Pourquois ??????????????? Examples of Pourquoi stories: How the Elephant Got Its Trunk or How the Tiger Got Its Stripes

Fairytales Include good and bad characters A hero or heroine Magic or fantasy Includes predictable beginnings and endings “Once upon a time” “Happily ever after” Problem which is usually overcome through kindness, courage, intelligence

Well-known Folktales *Tortoise and the Hare *The Three Little Pigs *Cinderella *Jack and the Beanstalk *Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox End of Presentation