Fantasy and Fairy Tales

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

Fantasy Examples

» Lord of the Rings» Chronicles of Narnia» Wizard of Oz

Name some fantasy stories, movies or TV shows you are familiar with

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

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?

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?

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

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

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?