1. Myth and Folktale

2. Myth A myth is a traditional story, religious in nature, that explains why the world is as it is. They often represent a culture’s deepest beliefs. According to the scholar Joseph Campbell, myths serve four purposes:

3. To instill a sense of awe toward the mystery of the universe

4. To explain the workings of the natural world

5. To support and validate social custom

6. To guide people through the trials of living

7. Folktale A story handed down, usually by word of mouth, from generation to generation. Folktales were created in part for entertainment value.

8. Folktales include: Fairytales Legends Trickster Tales Fables

9. Folktales often involve: Supernatural events Supernatural beings Magical Transformations Animals that act human Heroes tend to be common, everyday people

10. Myth vs. Folktale Myths are a direct expression of a culture's religious beliefs; folk­tales are not. However, both myths and folktales explain important truths about life.

11. Tricksters A trickster is an animal or person who engages in trickery, violence and magic. A trickster is neither all good nor all bad

12. A trickster may be foolish yet clever Greedy yet helpful Immoral yet moral PARADOX: a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.

13. Tricksters are usually: Male Small Violent They may be able to change form They are greedy and egocentric They often become the butt of their own tricks