1. Folk Literature 7 th Grade Literature Mrs. Peck Pg. IN10-IN11

2. Folk Literature Develops in every culture. Reflects history and beliefs of the people who create it. Usually part of an oral tradition (passed down through generations).

3. Stories explain important events in the history of the people or the natural world. Stories reflect cultural values and entertain. There are four types of folk literature.

4. Legend Story about the past believed to be based on real events or people. Sometimes nature is supernatural. Human characters are larger than life. Example – “Popocatepetl and Ixtlaccihuatl”

5. Folk Tale Story passed on by word of mouth through a culture to teach ideas and values. These lessons reflect the hopes and wisdom of the tellers and listeners. Examples – “The People Could Fly” and “All Stories are Anansi’s”

6. Myth Fictional tale that explains the actions of the gods, the interactions with gods and humans, or the causes of natural phenomena. Have little historical truth. Have supernatural elements Well-known myths come from Greece and Rome.

7. Examples – “Phaethon, Son of Apollo” and “Demeter and Persephone”

8. Fable Brief stories that teach a lesson (moral). Like cartoons (humorous, brief, simple). Often have talking animals to make a point about life. Examples – “The Fox and the Crow” and “The Lion and the Statue”.