Myths, Folktales, Legends, and Fables Be an Expert!

Oral Tradition Can you name some more? Before people groups had written languages, oral tradition was the only means of preserving the history of a people and its culture. Example: Goldilocks and the Three Bears Jack and the Bean Stalk Sleeping Beauty Can you name some more?

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.

Characteristics of a Folktale Begins with a phrase such as, “Once upon a time . . .”, or “There once was . . .” About ordinary people (or animals) and everyday life There are good and bad characters Good characters gave a problem to solve

Characteristics of Folktales Animals can talk Wishes are granted Happy ending – good wins over bad Everyone has heard them Transmitted through word of mouth No known author

Fables Short story that teaches a lesson (called a moral) that people should apply to their own lives Characters are usually animals Aesop is the most well-known author Example: The Tortoise and the Hare

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.

Characteristics of a Legend A story from the past about a subject that was, or is believed to have been, historical Many legends tell about human beings who meet supernatural creatures Historical but not always factual

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

Characteristics of Myths The gods and goddesses have human emotions Myths contain magic Gods and goddesses often appear in disguises Myths teach a lesson or explain the natural world

Archetype basic building blocks of stories that all writers use to create a world to which readers can escape. all cultures around the world use them to build their stories. Examples of archetypes are: the hero, the damsel in distress, the battle between good and evil, bargaining with the Devil,etc.

Character Archetypes THE HERO—circumstances of birth are unusual, some attempt is made at birth to kill him; raised by foster parents, returns to his kingdom to right wrongs, marries a princess, becomes king MENTOR—teacher or counselor to the hero; often are father or mother figures to the hero or heroine

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.