Oral Tradition/ FolkLore

Oral Tradition/Folklore A story originally composed orally, then passed person to person by word of mouth. Many were published as printed literature, and rewritten in a variety of forms. They reflect the culture, environment, knowledge, wisdom, social practices and beliefs of the people who first told them. Includes fables, myths, tall tales and legends, and traditional fairy tales

Folklore

Fables Teaches a moral or lesson Animals are usually characters See Aesop’s fables Animals are usually characters They succeed or fail in response to their ability to be quick-witted.

Fairy Tale A fanciful story written for, or told to, children. Usually contains at least one supernatural element (magic, dragons, elves, ghosts, hobgoblins, witches, etc.). Most fairy tales are based on the traditional folklore of a specific culture.

Legends/Tall Tales Usually refer to individual characters Tells the story of a hero (legends) based on truth, these have often been embellished over time Such as Johnny Appleseed or Daniel Boone

Myths Explains the origins of: Teaches a lesson or spiritual truth Human and superhuman characteristics (such as Greek gods) Natural or supernatural phenomena Teaches a lesson or spiritual truth

Common Themes in Folklore youngest/smallest sibling is successful/others fail wishes granted magic objects are standard props animals talk monsters appear use of trickery number 3 significant 4 in Native American a poor person becomes rich