2. Fairy Tales Use a form or variation of “Once upon a time” Set in the past Fantasy or make-believe elements Enchanted setting – can include forests, castles, water or kingdoms Clearly defined good and evil characters Magical elements Characters take on unusual forms (giants, witches, dwarfs, talking animals) Groups of 3 (objects, people or events) Clearly defined problem, climax, and resolution Most often they have happy endings Teach a lesson that is important to the culture it came from

3. Fables Teach clear moral lessons Even small characters play important roles Characters usually take the form of animals and are painted with a few broad strokes Poke fun Critique authority figures in humorous and anonymous ways Instruct Teach humans a lesson about recognizing and overcoming their foibles Story is very brief

4. One animal/character usually displays vice or foible being critiqued. This foible is what brings embarrassment or a downfall to the character and this conclusion leads directly to the moral Moral follows fable and is stated in one sentence Title cues who or what to pay attention to Each animal/character has symbolic value – represents a human trait Structure = introductory situation – complication - consequences

5. Myths Gods and goddesses Supernatural powers Often teaches a lesson or explains natural phenomena Usually set in ancient times Example – “Hercules”, “Perseus and Medusa”

6. Tall Tales Often based in historical fact, with fantastic (unbelievable) parts added to the story Typically one central main character Usually set in America long ago Example – “John Henry”