2. What is a Folktale? A folktale is a story that has been passed down
from generation to generation by word of
mouth or verbal tradition.
Folktales were created to pass on traditions,
morals, and lessons from one generation to
the next.

3. Types of Folktales
Trickster Tales
Fables
Pourgoui Stories
Fairytales

4. Trickster Tales
A trickster in a story is a character whoa story about a trickster, or someone who is clever and tricks other characters in the story.
This character usually causes problems for other characters.
Example: Aansi the Spider, Stone Soup

5. Fables These are stories that usually teach a lesson or has a moral.
Example: The Tortoise and the Hare or Aesop’s Fables.

6. Pourquoi Stories
A Pourquoi (means “why” in French) is a folktale which explains how or Why something is the way it is.
Explains HOW something came to be as it is.
Many myths and tale tales are considered pourquoi stories.
Example: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in
People’s Ears: A West African Tale
by Verna Aardema

7. Fairytales Usually begins with the words, “Once Up a Time”
Story has good and evil characters
Usually ontains magic, a hero or heroine
Conflicts are revolved through kindness, courage or intelligenc
Examples: Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Aladdin, etc.

8. Common Folktale Story Elements
Magic is often used to explain the unexplainable
The number three is often used
Three characters
Three events
Three tests

9. Common Story Elements Characters undergo tests to prove something
Good vs. evil
Good characters are rewarded and evil ones are punished
Magic is usually used.
Contains a happy ending

10. Themes
Characters undergo tests to prove something. Good characters vs. evil characters The good characters are rewarded and the evil characters are punished. The story usually has a happy ending.