Myths, Fairytale, Tall Tales, Legends, and Fables Be an Expert!

Myths  Stories about gods, goddesses, and spirits  Try to explain how things in the world were created  Many famous ones are Greek, Roman, Viking, Native American  Example: Pandora’s Box

Fairytale  Stories that have been passed down for hundreds of years  Setting is along time ago  Magic, imaginary creatures, and talking animals can be included  Example: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Tall Tales  Stories that stretch the truth  Could be about real people or imaginary characters  Usually show great strength or size  Example: John Henry

Legends  Always about humans but can have magic or supernatural events  Based on real people who are considered heroes  Story handed down for many years; truth becomes distorted  Example: Johnny Appleseed

Urban Legends Modern folklore consisting of stories believed by their tellers to be true. set in today’s time (not historical) Contains an element of mystery, horror, fear or humor Always about humans. Ex: The Headless Horseman

Fables  Short story that teaches a lesson (called a moral)  Characters are usually animals  Aesop is the most well-known author  Example: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

Are There Any Questions About?  Fairytale?  Legend?  Urban Legends  Fable?  Tall Tale?  Myth?