1. Oral Traditions As old as human beings Pass along knowledge and wisdom
Explain natural events such as storms, lightning, fires
Moral tales were the first laws and moral ethics of humans

2. Folk Tales
A folk story is a tale that originated from a particular cultural group
It comes from the words folk: meaning people
And tale: stories

3. Deals With
Nature
Natural Remedies for physical and psychological ailments
Reveals practical knowledge for everyday
Explains the existence of things and how they came to be

4. What they illustrate or show
Teaches a moral lesson
Show the beliefs and customs that are important to a particular culture
They teach by example

5. Common Characters Language is simple Good or Bad Strong or Weak
Rich or Poor
Wise or Foolish
Trickster: fools other characters that need to be tricked because they have some unfavorable quality like greed or selfishness.

6. Fantasy and Magic Something magical always happens
Trees and or animals speak
Gods descend from heavens and change things
Wizards, witches, or goblins cause mischief or wonders

7. Myths Answer basic questions about the world
Characters are usually gods or goddesses.
Characters must overcome a challenge or face a difficult obstacle.
Explain the beginning of the world or natural phenomenon
Usually about some sort of control of nature, people, or a complex situation.

8. Myths
Plot deals with relationships between gods or goddesses and humans
Attributes are:
Good/Bad
Wise/Foolish
Love/Hate

9. Myths Types Creation- How man came to be
Origin-How things in nature came to be
Hero- A human who helps others

10. Myths Explain: Creation: How man came to be or how the world began.
Origin: How things in nature came to be. (seasons, sun/moon, weather…)
Hero: A human who helps others.
Religious customs, human strengths and weaknesses, or lessons for life are also included in the myth’s lesson.

11. Moral Always contain a moral
Teaches a clear and convincing lesson on human nature
Morals include: Honesty, Manners, Obedience, etc.
Sometimes the moral is stated directly, but most times it must be inferred.