2. Multicultural Folktales Stories from around the World

3. Introduction Until about 4000 BC all literature was folk literature. These stories were passed on through the oral tradition thus the different versions of the same story. A huge amount of imagination went into the creating/telling of these stories. The stories are concerned mostly with everyday people and focus on situations that human beings in general have experienced. Most folktales teach a moral or lesson. These stories reflect the life of the people of a particular region or of a particular country.

4. Animal Tales The lessons are geared to survival and the rewards usually go to the crafty rather than the strong. Practical advice is either stated or implied. A favorite theme is how one beast outwits another. Example: Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

5. Explanatory Tales Many myths fall into this category because they provide answers to questions all people have. These stories explain a wide variety of things as complex as how the world came into being to as simple as why the woodpecker has a long beak. Example: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears

6. Romance Tales Stories usually have a plot that focuses on a young man (or woman) trying to win the hand of a princess(or prince). This is usually accomplished by somehow pleasing the father(king)or by performing some outstanding deed. The element of magic is not really included or plays a very small part in the story. Example: The Three Princes

7. Dilemma Tales These stories raise a question without providing an answer. The story presents both sides of the problem/case and allows the reader to decide the outcome/verdict. Example: A Tug of War

8. Fairy/Magic Tales These stories usually contain a hero that has a difficult life (such as being an unloved orphan or stepchild) with all the odds against him or her. The hero’s success depends upon the help (usually supernatural in nature) from others. The character moves from a terrible life to a world where he or she lives “happily ever after.” Example: The Talking Eggs

9. Requirements for folktales Your folktale must : Meet or exceed the standard E2c Be one or a combination of the types of folktales Have a moral or a theme (teach a lesson) Be set in the country you studied in social studies Contain country/cultural information Contain dialogue Be a minimum of 8 pages Have a minimum of 8 illustrations Have a title page, dedication, and an about the author page Have a cover that includes an illustration and the country’s flag