1. Folktales

2. What is a folktale?
a story or legend handed down from generation to generation
usually passed down through oral retelling
explains something that happens in nature or conveys a certain truth about life

3. Characteristics of Folktales
Simple and straightforward
Includes magical or supernatural elements
Characters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, etc.
Problems and conflicts are clear
Ending is usually happy or satisfying
Good is usually rewarded; evil is usually punished

4. Types of Folktales Trickster tales Fables Why “Porquoi” stories
Fairy Tales
Tall Tales

5. Trickster Tales
One character (protagonist, trickster) is clever or devious
Usually causes problems for others in the story
Usually goes unpunished
Different cultures have different tricksters

6. Trickster Tales Tricksters from different cultures:
North America: coyote, wolf, hare
Ireland: fairies, leprechauns
Japan: badger
Africa: spider, tortoise
Europe: fox, wolf

7. Fables Short stories Teach a lesson or moral
Themes: cooperation, differing viewpoints, rewards
Some have several layers of meaning; morals may not be obvious
Listeners can find their own moral

8. Fairytales Include good and bad characters Heroes, heroines
Magic, fantasy
Predictable beginnings and endings; “Once upon a time…”, “And they lived happily ever after.”
Problems usually overcome through kindness, courage, or intelligence

9. Tall Tales Contain many exaggerations
Main character is bigger than life or may have superhuman abilities
Problem to be solved
Plot is funny and impossible
Problem is solved by the end

10. Some well-known folktales…
Cinderella
The Tortoise and the Hare
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Three Little Pigs
Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox
Hansel and Gretel
Aesop’s Fables
Johnny Appleseed

11. Elements of Folktales Theme: a story’s statement about life
Characters: people or figures in a story
Setting: time and location of a story
Plot: action or events of a story
Style and Tone: how the story is written

12. Common Themes in Folktales
Heroic qualities (wisdom, bravery, etc)
Nature and animals
Good vs. evil
Power of magic (people, objects, events)
Certain numbers (3, 7, etc)
Basic values of a culture
Kindness, friendship, loyalty

13. Characterization Usually either very good or very bad
Most characteristics are exaggerated
The hero and heroine are usually young
The heroine is usually fair, kind, charitable, and caring
The hero is usually honorable, courageous, unselfish, and caring
Both usually have special powers

14. Setting
Place is usually described easily and briefly (humble cottage, magic kingdom, etc.)
Fits typical geography of a culture
Time is usually in the past, usually “long ago”
Time could be “fantasy time” (“Once upon a time”, “Happily ever after”)

15. Plot Full of action Follows simple, specific pattern
Grabs and holds reader’s interest and attention from the beginning
Conflicts usually resolved with great acts of kindness and are related to good and/or evil

16. Style and Tone Descriptions are quick and to the point
Story is believable but not probable; makes the reader believe that “maybe, just maybe” the story is based on true events…
MAYBE THEY ARE!

17. Enjoy! For the next several days, we will be studying folktales.
We will focus on the specific structure, elements, and themes.
As you read, start thinking of ideas for your own folktale! This can be based on an existing story, or can be something unique…be creative!