Mrs. Westgard Third Grade Traditional Literature

Fables Fables have been passed down from generation to generation. The characters are generally animals. The characters usually represent some human trait. Fables are written to teach a lesson.

Fairy Tales Fairy tales are written especially for children. Fairy tales usually have magical characters like elves, fairies, and giants. Sometimes the characters are animals. The plot of a fairy tale involves good versus evil.

Legends Legends have been passed from generation to generation. Legends are about people, their actions, or their deeds. Legends are based on facts, but they are not actually true. Legends are written to teach a lesson.

Myths Myths have been passed from generation to generation. Myths are set in a time long ago, before history was written. There are very few characters. The characters are usually gods or superheroes. The characters generally have human traits. Myths tell how the natural world works.

Folktales Folktales have been passed from generation to generation. Folktales were written for adults, but they are enjoyed by children. The characters are often animals. Folktales usually explain some force of nature.