Oral Traditions

What are Folktales The terms folktales, fairytales, fables all refer to the same things. This genre of literature grew from the oral tradition of story telling which have been there from thousands of years. Most of these stories deals with issues and problems that all children can relate to no matter which part or culture of the world they come from.

Qualities of Folktales · Folktales are usually about ordinary people and everyday life. -Fairy tales mostly revolves around princess, kings, queens et. · The stories include setting, characters, and a problem. · The characters are often flat, representing one particular trait such as cleverness. · Hyperboles or exaggerations are always found in tall tales.

Tasks: In folk/fairy tales a “task” is a specific assignment or mission that a character must complete. Magic Helper There are forces of good and evil along which the plots move. Character Traits The characters of the story must have specific things they do, say or think or look like.

The Folktale Formula · The plot begins quickly. · Characters are one-sided. · Plots move along well-trod paths. · All questions are answered before the story ends.

Common Folktale Motifs · wishes granted · a monster · magic helpers · use of trickery · a poor person becomes rich · the rule of three is significant · the youngest or smallest of siblings is successful after others in the family fail · a variety of unwise characters

Types of Folktales · Fables or Animal Tales: tales of talking animals · Tales that Tell Why ("pourqoui") · Fairy Tales- tales of magic · Tall Tales- About a super character with great powers and size, exaggeration · Folktales- Legendary reflecting culture traditions Fool’s Tales; some clever character outsmarting a silly/foolish character