1. Fantasy and Fairy Tales

2. Fantasy
A genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme and/or setting
How does it differ from science fiction?
Steers clear of technological themes
Although there is a great deal of overlap
Themes
Good vs. Evil --Magic
Hero --Quest
Medievalism

3. Fantasy Examples
Name some fantasy stories, movies or TV shows you are familiar with
Lord of the Rings
Chronicles of Narnia
Wizard of Oz

4. Folklore
A broad field of study that concerns itself with the ways in which people make meaning in their lives
Subcategories of folklore:
Fairy Tales: fantasy tale of well-known deeds and creatures
Example: The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, etc…
Think “Once upon a time…”
Urban Legends: fictional story which actually be real. Warns against something.
Example: 71 Hitchhiker
Legends: traditional tale passed down which is believed to have historical basis; usually based on a real person
Example: George Washington chopping down the cherry tree
Myths: ancient stories dealing with the origin of something
Greek myths: The Odyssey
Tall Tales: extravagant, exaggerated story which focuses on the achievements of the ultimate hero
Folktales: oral tradition, passed from one generation to the next

5. What is the Purpose of Folk and Fairy Tales?
All cultures have folk or fairy tales and most of them tell similar stories…why?
1. Stories for children that would caution and train them for the world
A. What would “Little Red Riding Hood” teach children?
B. What morals are portrayed in fairy tales?

6. What is the purpose of Folk and Fairy Tales?
2. Stories that show how life can be altered or changed to compensate for something that is lacking.
A. What is lacking in Cinderella’s life?
B. How is her life altered or changed?

7. What is the Purpose of Folk and Fairy Tales?
3. They represent the collective unconscious
A. Jung (psychologist) believed that there are universal dark forces that people are naturally afraid of
B. Jung believed that there are archetypes and these are found in all cultures

8. Story Archetypes 1. The hero: Rescuer, champion
2. The maiden: Purity, desire
3. The wise old man: Knowledge, guidance
4. The magician: Mysterious, powerful
5. The earth mother: Nature
6. The witch or sorceress: Dangerous
7. The trickster: Deceiving, hidden

9. Fairy Tale Questions
Create a breakdown of your fairy tale using Freytag’s Pyramid.
What is the moral of
of the tale?
What other stories are
similar to this one?
(Modern versions, TV shows, etc…)
What archetypes are present in this tale?