1. MythsLegendsFolktalesFables Fairy Tales

2. Myth is the general term for any type of story that has a deep cultural meaning. The genre of Myths include:  Legends  Folktales  Fables  Fairy Tales What is a myth?

3. A myth shares a truth to the people who tell it and hear it. Some myths may have been based on actual events or people, but they have been transformed by symbolic meaning. Myths explain natural phenomenon and answer universal questions, such as Why do we have day and night? These stories have great importance to people and their culture, which is why the stories have survived for thousands of years. What is a myth?

4. What is culture? Culture refers to the shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize a group of people.  Attitudes are the ideas and beliefs of a group of people.  Values are the qualities that the people respect and honor.  Goals are the objectives people work towards.  Practices are the customary actions that a group of people do in life.

5. A legend is often based on historic facts, but also includes mythical qualities. Legends usually involve heroic characters or fantastic places and often encompass the spiritual beliefs of the people and their culture. One famous legend is the story of King Arthur and how he became king. Why did people tell this story? What is a legend? Click to show video

6. A folktale is a story that has been passed on from one generation to the next. Usually the author of a folktale is unknown and there may be several versions of the story. Folktales often include talking animals. Folktales share a specific message or meaning. Why did people tell this story? What is a folktale? Click to show video

7. A fable is a very short story which is meant to teach a lesson. This lesson is called a moral. Usually, but not always, fables are stories about animals that talk like people. Why did people tell this story? What is a fable? Click to show video

8. A fairy tale is story that tells about witches, giants, elves, princes, dragons, ogres, and princesses. Magical things happen in fairy tales – mirrors talk, pumpkins become carriages, and a lamp may be home to a genie. Why did people tell this story? What is a fairy tale? Click to show video

9. To answer questions.  To explain cultural beliefs.  To teach a lesson  or to share a moral. A. Rolston 2013