Myth and Folktale
Myth A myth is a traditional story, religious in nature, that explains why the world is as it is. They often represent a culture’s deepest beliefs. According to the scholar Joseph Campbell, myths serve four purposes:
To instill a sense of awe toward the mystery of the universe
To explain the workings of the natural world
To support and validate social custom
To guide people through the trials of living
Folktale A story handed down, usually by word of mouth, from generation to generation. Folktales were created in part for entertainment value.
Folktales include: Fairytales Legends Trickster Tales Fables
Folktales often involve: Supernatural events Supernatural beings Magical Transformations Animals that act human Heroes tend to be common, everyday people
Myth vs. Folktale Myths are a direct expression of a culture's religious beliefs; folktales are not. However, both myths and folktales explain important truths about life.
Tricksters A trickster is an animal or person who engages in trickery, violence and magic. A trickster is neither all good nor all bad
A trickster may be foolish yet clever Greedy yet helpful Immoral yet moral PARADOX: a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.
Tricksters are usually: Male Small Violent They may be able to change form They are greedy and egocentric They often become the butt of their own tricks