1. Traditional Literature
WCES
4TH Grade
Alex Lorber

2. ELAGSE4RL9 Compare and contrast the treatment of
similar themes and topics
(e.g., opposition of good and evil)
and patterns of events
(e.g., the quest)
in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

3. CHARACTERISTICS Passed down from generation to generation
Fast paced plot
Good vs. Evil
Happy endings
Characters are either good or bad
Theme {the message the author wants to convey or the lesson to be learned from the text}

4. Types of Traditional Literature
Folktale
Fable
Fairytale
Myth
Legend
Tall Tale

5. Folktale Fairytales Fable Myths Legend Tall Tales
A folktale is a short narrative passed down from generation to generation. Folktales include:
Fairytales
Fable
Myths
Legend
Tall Tales

6. Example: The Lion and the Mouse
Fable
A fable is a short narrative that teaches a moral lesson, often using talking animals.
Example: The Lion and the Mouse

7. Myth
A myth is an ancient story used to explain aspects of the natural world. They usually have gods and goddesses.

8. Example: The Legend of the Evergreen Tree
A legend is a narrative whose main characters are based on historical figures. The story is embellished to teach a lesson. Exaggeration is usually involved.
Example: The Legend of the Evergreen Tree

9. Tall Tale
A tall tale is a narrative than is based on exaggerations of larger than life characters.
Example: Paul Bunyon

10. Fairytale
A fairytale is an unbelievable tale involving magic. They usually begin with “Once upon a time” and end with “and they lived happily ever after.” It often uses the number 3.
Example: The Three Little Pigs