1. Characteristics of folktales Some well-known folktales
What is a folktale?
Characteristics of folktales
Types of folktales
Some well-known folktales

2. What is a folktale? story that began with oral storytelling
passed down through the ages
teaches a lesson
explains why things are as they are

3. Characteristics of Folktales
simple and straightforward
includes magic or supernatural powers to explain the unexplainable
characters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, laziness
problems and conflicts are clear
Rule of 3: Items happen in sets of 3 (3 characters, events, or test the character must overcome.
ending usually happy or satisfying
good usually rewarded, evil punished

4. Common Elements of a Folktale:
THEMES
Characters go through tests to prove something (the good characters must solve a problem)
Good vs. Evil (has characters that are good, others are bad)
Good is rewarded and evil is punished in the end (tales have a happy ending)

5. Common Elements of a Folktale:
Characterization
Characters change only after they have gone through the lesson learned during the course of the story
The hero is usually young and fair, kind, brave, unselfish, and may possess some sort of special power
Magic Helpers, such as the Fairy Godmother, allow for things to occur in a story that would otherwise be impossible.

6. Common Elements of a Folktale:
Setting
Place is usually described easily and briefly, leaving the imagination to fill in the gaps. For example, folktales take place in a cottage in the woods or in a magical kingdom.
Time is fantasy time, such as Once upon a time, or A long time ago.

7. Types of Folktales Trickster tales Fables Why “Pourquoi” stories
Fairytales

8. Trickster Tales
One character (the protagonist or trickster) is clever and devious
causes problems for another
is usually unpunished
Different cultures have specific tricksters

9. Tricksters from Different Cultures

10. Fables Short stories teach a lesson or moral
animal characters with human characteristics
stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfied
some have several layers of meaning (Indian tales)
Morals are not stated directly, but needs to be

11. Why “Porquoi” Stories
Explain WHY something is as it is
Explain HOW things came to be
*** Most myths and tall tales are considered Pourquois
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Examples of Pourquoi stories: How the Elephant Got Its Trunk or How the Tiger Got Its Stripes

12. Fairytales Include good and bad characters A hero or heroine
Magic or fantasy
Includes predictable beginnings and endings “Once upon a time” “Happily ever after”
Problem which is usually overcome through kindness, courage, intelligence

13. Well-known Folktales *Tortoise and the Hare *The Three Little Pigs
*Cinderella
*Jack and the Beanstalk
*Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox
End of Presentation