Myths and Folktales- Warmup Notes 1/16- Grab your journal and a handout from the laptop cart

Myth: A Definition A myth is an anonymous, traditional story that explains varying aspects of a culture. Universal symbols and themes appear in different cultures’ myths.

Characteristics of Myths Contain heroes, heroines, gods, and goddesses. Characters are often animals Supernatural elements Told orally (spoken)

The Reasons for Myths To teach morals and values To explain: the creation of the world natural phenomena nature of the culture’s gods and goddesses human nature views of a group of people religious beliefs and meaning behind rituals mysteries of life Historical events To teach morals and values To tell about a culture’s heroes

Origin Myths An origin myth is a story that explains how things came to be. Ex. Coyote and the Origin of Death

Folktales

Folktale: A Definition Folktales are stories that are passed along from one generation to the next by word-by- mouth They were created from the “folk” – the common people.

Characteristics of Folktales Nonreligious stories Meant for entertaining, but also for teaching values Feature magic, transformations, enchantments, and gods and goddesses, but they are not the center of the story Heroes are common, everyday folk without special powers Are not associated with rituals

Types of Folktales There are three types of folktales: Legends Fairy Tales Fables

Legend: A Definition A legend is a story about extraordinary deeds, based to some extent on fact. Some familiar examples would include the following: King Arthur Johnny Appleseed Robin Hood

Fairy Tale: A Definition A fairy tale features supernatural elements such as spirits, talking animals, and magic. Some familiar examples would include the following: Little Red Riding Hood Cinderella Beauty and the Beast

Fable: A Definition A fable is a very brief story that teaches a moral or a practical lesson about life. The characters of a fable are most often personified animals. Some familiar examples would include all of Aesop’s Fables, like The Tortoise and the Hare.

Closer: True/False Quiz 1. Every culture has its own mythology. 2. Both myths and folktales explain natural phenomena. 3. The three types of folktales are legends, fairy tales, and epics. 4. A myth is an ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, and heroes. 5. Folktales are nonreligious stories. Alternate summarizer if there isn’t time for the making a quiz activity.