Legends, myths and folktales. By Louella LePage

Myths…. A myth is a traditional or legendary story, usually having to do with a hero or event. (“myth”) Example: how the bear lost its tail. Its says in this myth that bears used to have long beautiful tails. The bear would brag to everyone about it and make the others walk around it. But one day he was taking a walk and saw a fox catching some fish. His mouth started to water, and he said hey fox how’d you get all those fish? The fox replied it was from my tail. And the bear said really?? How did you do that, and the fox snickered to himself and said here ill show you. He got the bear to sit and put his tall in a icy cold hole of water. The fox took his fish and went back to his house. When he came back the bear had fallen asleep with its tail still in there, the fox woke him up and said bear! There are tons of fish on your tail! And the bear yanked it out, and the tail snapped right off leaving him with only a stub for a tail. The fox ran away laughing. (“how the bear lost its tail”).

Legends A legend is a nonhistorical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition from earlier times and popularly accepted as historical. (“legend”) Example: robin hood. The story Robin Hood is about a man who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. He goes through the forest everyday in search of a new man for his group. His best friend is Little John who protects him all the time. Robin gets in trouble with the law a lot so he runs from camp, but always comes home when they are off his trail. He gets into many fights throughout the forest. The king gets upset because Robin steals money from a monk, and tries to kill him. (“the robin hood”)

Folktales A folktale is a tale or legend originating and traditional among a people or folk. Example: Paul Bunyan. Paul Bunyan is a larger-than-life folk hero who embodies frontier vitality. He is a symbol of might, the willingness to work hard, and the resolve to overcome all obstacles. Paul Bunyan is part of the western tall tale literature, which often populates the landscape with beings of gigantic proportions. Paul Bunyan and his boon companion Babe the Blue Ox take mosquitoes of tremendous proportions, rainstorms that last for months, and natural obstructions like mountains ranges in their stride. He was popularized by newspapermen across the country in 1910 and has been a part of the American culture ever since. (“Paul Bunyan”)

Web Citing Folktale. Dictionary.com.2010.May 7 th Paul Bunyan. Americanfolklore. May 10 th May 7 th How the bear lost its tail. Animals myths & legands may 7 th 2010.