1. Types of Folklore Copyright © 2014 Brenda Kovich All rights reserved by author Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only From Myths of the Norsemen, Illustrated by J.C. Dallman 1886, public domain

2. Folklore FOLK (PEOPLE) + LORE (STORIES) Folklore is made up of fictional stories told by people with a shared culture. Myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, and tall tales are common types of folklore.

3. Myths A myth is an ancient story. Some myths explain beliefs or natural phenomena. Other myths teach lessons. Many times characters have superhuman powers.

4. Myths Stories related to Hercules, the hero, are examples of myths. From The Twelve Labours of Hercules, 1808, public domain

5. Legends A legend is a story with basis in fact. The story may have been exaggerated or changed. Legends may also explain natural phenomena or teach lessons.

6. Legends The story of Johnny Appleseed is a legend. From A History of the Pioneer and Modern Times of Ashland County, 1862, public domain

7. Fairy Tales A fairy tale is a children’s story that involves magic. It usually has a strong theme of good versus evil. Fairy tales usually have happy endings and teach lessons.

8. Fairy Tales “Sleeping Beauty” is a fairy tale. From Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm, 1886, public domain

9. Fables A fable is a short story that teaches a lesson. Animals in fables may take on human characteristics.

10. Fables “The Grasshopper and the Ants” is a fable. From Aesop’s Fables, 1912, public domain

11. Tall Tales A tall tale has many exaggerations in it. Characters may be bigger than life or have superhuman abilities. Tall tales generally tell impossible stories that are funny.

12. Tall Tales The stories of Paul Bunyan are tall tales. From The Marvelous Exploits of Paul Bunyan, 1922, public domain

13. Let’s Review Myths are ancient stories in which characters have supernatural powers. They may explain beliefs, natural phenomena, or life lessons. Legends are stories with basis in fact that may have been changed. They may also explain natural phenomena or teach lessons. Fairy tales are children’s stories that involve magic. Good generally wins out over evil so the tale has a happy ending and teaches a lesson. Fables are short stories that have strong morals, or lessons. Many times characters include animals with human characteristics. Tall tales are extremely exaggerated, humorous stories.