1. Traditional Stories

2. Purpose
To be able to distinguish among different genres using their unique characteristics
To be able to read a story and, based on the characteristics, decide which type of story it is

3. Characteristics of Folk Tales
Folk Tale- Folk tales (or folktales) are stories passed down through generations, mainly by telling. Different kinds of folktales include fairy tales (or fairytales), tall tales, trickster tales, fables, myths, legends, and epics.

4. Characteristics of Folk Tales
Intended to…
give an explanation to things people did not understand
discipline children/teach a lesson
simply pass the time.
represent specific human traits in the characters
Different cultures have different "folktales" and a lot of the time there are varying versions of the same story from those different cultures.

5. Types of Traditional Stories or Folk Tales
Myths
Legends
Epics
Fables
Tall Tales

6. Characteristics of Myths
A traditional story that was created to explain mysteries of the universe

7. Characteristics of Myths
Often explains how something connected with humans or nature came to be
Reveals the consequences of both good and bad behavior
Features gods or other beings who have supernatural powers as well as certain flaws

8. EXAMPLES Movie- Clash of the Titans Books – Percy Jackson series
Everyday myths- When someone is consistently lucky, that person is said to have the Midas touch. As in the myth of King Midas, everything the person touches turns to gold.

9. Characteristics of Legends
A story passed down through many generations that is believed to be based on real historical people and events

10. Characteristics of Legends
Focuses on the hero’s or heroine’s struggle to defeat a powerful force (through strength and/or intelligence)
Highlights a positive quality or way of behaving
All details are realistic and possible, but may include elements of magic or miracles

11. EXAMPLES
Robin Hood
King Arthur

12. Characteristics of Epics
A long, narrative poem often written in formal language, that tells about a series of quests undertaken by a great hero

13. Characteristics of Epics
Follow a quest, or journey, of a hero who has incredible strength and courage
Focuses on the hero’s character traits – both positive and negative
Features hero’s tasks such as battles in which the hero is tested

14. The Odyssey-is about Odysseus and his return home to Ithaca.
EXAMPLES
The Iliad- tells of the last year before the city of Troy was overrun by the Greeks
The Odyssey-is about Odysseus and his return home to Ithaca.

15. Characteristics of Fables
A brief story that teaches a lesson, or moral, about human nature

16. Characteristics of Fables
Usually includes animal characters (or other forces of nature) that are anthropomorphized (made human like)
Animal characters stand for specific human qualities, such as kindness or dishonesty
Has a moral that is directly stated at the end OR indirectly communicated through what happens in the fable
Different from parables, in that parables have only human characters

17. EXAMPLES
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss- the importance of being kind to the environment. The Once-ler, whose face is never shown, represents industrialized society
The Tortoise and the Hare- Aesop’s most famous fable- This story teaches the importance of patience and the dangers of excessive pride by describing a race between a tortoise and the hare who often teased him for moving too slowly

18. Characteristics of Tall Tales
A humorously exaggerated story about impossible events

19. Characteristics of Tall Tales
Stars a hero or heroine who is larger than life- bigger, stronger, or even louder than an ordinary person
Uses exaggeration to emphasize the abilities and achievements of the hero or heroine
May use real people (historic figures) as the main character but exaggerates their abilities to unrealistic levels

20. EXAMPLES
Johnny Appleseed
Paul Bunyan
Davy Crockett

21. Characteristics of Fairy Tales
Fairy Tale- usually considered a children's story; takes the form of a short story; magical and imaginary beings and lands are a central part of the story

22. Characteristics of Fairy Tales
Takes place “once upon a time” – not in an identifiable time or place
Contains imaginary and magical entities (such as dragons, trolls, elves, fairies,etc.)
Magic and/or enchantment plays a large part in the plot

23. EXAMPLES
The Sleeping Beauty
Cinderella
Rumpelstiltskin

24. Cultural Values in Traditional Stories
Elements that define a culture-
Attitudes
Values
Ideals
hopes
Fears
Language
Humor
Expectations
Rules

25. Cultural Values They are constantly changing and evolving
Stories that reveal details about cultural values are like snapshots in time
They present a picture of the culture’s beliefs at the moment they were recorded
Can be preserved for future study or for future enjoyment

26. Cultural Values Questions to ask when reading-
Who are the heroes and villains in the story?
What attitude and behaviors are rewarded and admired?
What can you learn about the characters?
What does this tell you about the time period?