Folk Tales

What is a folktale? Folktales were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, which is called oral tradition. Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world or to teach morals and lessons. In most cases the author is unknown.

Characteristics of Folktales Simple and straightforward.. Includes magical or supernatural elements. Problems and conflicts are clear. Ending is usually happy or satisfying. Good is usually rewarded; evil is usually punished. Speak to universal and timeless themes.

Common Themes in Folktales Heroic qualities (wisdom, bravery, etc) Nature and animals Good vs. evil Power of magic (people, objects, events) Certain numbers (3, 7, etc) Basic values of a culture Kindness, friendship, loyalty

Some well-known folktales… Cinderella The Tortoise and the Hare Jack and the Beanstalk The Three Little Pigs Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox Hansel and Gretel Aesop’s Fables Johnny Appleseed

Types of Folktales Fables Fairy Tales Tall Tales Myths Legends

Fables A fable is a short narrative making a moral point. Example: Tortoise and the Hare

Characteristics of Fables Characters: Animals acting like people, 3 or less characters Setting:  Generally outside somewhere Problem:  Generally only one problem involving trickery Solution:  Ends with a lesson (Moral)

Fairytales A fairy tale is a fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children.  Example: Cinderella

Characteristics of Fairy Tales Characters: Royalty or Animals that are either good or bad Setting: Castle or Forest Problem: Good versus Evil Solution: Magic, repetition of "3" or "7" *Begins with "Once upon a time“ *Ends with "And they lived happily, ever after!"

Tall Tales A tale tale is an extravagant, fanciful or greatly exaggerated story. Usually focuses on the achievements of the ultimate hero. Example: Paul Bunyan

Characteristics of Tall Tales Characters: Everyday people with superhuman abilities Setting:  Linked to a real historical time period Problem:  Problem solved in a humorous way Solution:  Exaggerated details; tells about a person's accomplishments

Myths A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Example: The Mighty Hercules

Characteristics of Myths Characters: Gods and Goddesses Setting:  Nothing specific Problem:  Explains something that happens in nature by using Gods and/or Goddesses; good is rewarded, bad is punished Solution:  Magic, unusual creatures, Can also teach a lesson

Legends A legend is a traditional tale handed down from earlier times and believed to have an historical basis. Example: Atlantis

Characteristics of Legends Characters: Every day people; animals are often main characters Setting:  Nothing specific Problem:  Explains how or why something in nature came to be Solution:  Magic; sometimes it teaches a lesson

Over the next few weeks will explore the five types of folktales Enjoy!! Over the next few weeks will explore the five types of folktales