1. “Yeh-Shen” & “Sootface”
Cinderella Stories

2. Folktale
Folktales were stories passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, which is called oral tradition.
Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world (why the sun shines and the moon comes out at night) or to teach morals and lessons.

3. Examples of folktales fairytales fables myths pourqoui stories
trickster tales

4. Fairytales Include good and evil characters
Usually has a hero or heroine
Has Magic
Often begins with “Once upon a time”
Conflicts are resolved through kindness, courage or intelligence
Examples: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin

5. Fables These are stories that teach a lesson or have a moral
The main characters of Fables are usually animals with human characteristics
The moral is never stated, but needs to be inferred by the reader
Examples of Fables: Tortoise and the Hare,
The Ant and the Grasshopper

6. Common Elements of Folktales
Rule of Three: Items happen in sets of 3 or 7s (things happen in 3s, lots of repetition or repeated phrases)
- 3 characters
- 3 events
- 3 tests the character must overcome
Ex: “Jack and the Beanstalk” showed Jack climbing the beanstalk three times. The wicked stepmother visited Snow White in the forest three times before she finally got her to eat the apple.
Magic is commonly used, to explain the unexplainable.
You will see similar characteristics from stories across the world (Cinderella versions from around the world)

7. Common Themes in Folktales
Characters go through tests to prove something
(the good character must solve a problem)
Good versus Evil (has characters that are good, others are bad)
Good is rewarded and evil is punished in the end
(tales have a happy ending)

8. collapsed (Verb) To fall down The bridge was old and
worn, but it was still a
surprise when it suddenly
collapsed.

9. banquet (Noun) A dinner honoring a particular guest or occasion
The banquet was held in
honor of the bride and
groom. It was such a
wonderful celebration!

10. glistening (Adjective) Sparkling As we looked out
from the shore, we could
see the water glistening
in the sun.

11. embraced (Verb) To hold close; hug The girl embraced her mom
as soon as she saw her arrive
home from work.

12. Universal Theme
Theme is the central idea or lesson that a story is trying to teach.
Universal Theme is a theme that is common in many stories and is understood by many people of all ages and cultures around the world.