Folk Tales

What is a folktale?Folktales were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, which is called oral tradition.Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world or to teach morals and lessons.In most cases the author is unknown.

Characteristics of Folktales

Simple and straightforward..Includes magical or supernatural elements.Problems and conflicts are clear.Ending is usually happy or satisfying.Good is usually rewarded; evil is usually punished.Speak to universal and timeless themes.

Common Themes in Folktales

Heroic qualities (wisdom, bravery, etc)Nature and animalsGood vs. evilPower of magic (people, objects, events) Certain numbers (3, 7, etc)Basic values of a cultureKindness, friendship, loyalty

Some well-known folktales…

CinderellaThe Tortoise and the HareJack and the BeanstalkThe Three Little PigsBre’r Rabbit and Bre’r FoxHansel and GretelAesop’s FablesJohnny Appleseed

Types of Folktales

FablesFairy TalesTall TalesMythsLegends

Fables

A fable is a short narrative making a moral point.

Example: Tortoise and the Hare

Characteristics of Fables

Characters: Animals acting like people, 3 or less charactersSetting:  Generally outside somewhereProblem:  Generally only one problem involving trickerySolution:  Ends with a lesson (Moral)

Fairytales

A fairy tale is a fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children. 

Example: Cinderella

Characteristics of Fairy Tales

Characters: Royalty or Animals that are either good or bad Setting:  Castle or ForestProblem:  Good versus EvilSolution:  Magic, repetition of "3" or "7"*Begins with "Once upon a time“*Ends with "And they lived happily, ever after!"

Tall Tales

A tale tale is an extravagant, fanciful or greatly exaggerated story. Usually focuses on the achievements of the ultimate hero.

Example: Paul Bunyan

Characteristics of Tall Tales

Characters: Everyday people with superhuman abilitiesSetting:  Linked to a real historical time periodProblem:  Problem solved in a humorous waySolution:  Exaggerated details; tells about a person's accomplishments

Myths

A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

Example: The Mighty Hercules

Characteristics of Myths

Characters: Gods and GoddessesSetting:  Nothing specificProblem:  Explains something that happens in nature by using Gods and/or Goddesses; good is rewarded, bad is punishedSolution:  Magic, unusual creatures, Can also teach a lesson

Legends

A legend is a traditional tale handed down from earlier times and believed to have an historical basis.

Example: Atlantis

Characteristics of Legends

Characters: Every day people; animals are often main charactersSetting:  Nothing specificProblem:  Explains how or why something in nature came to beSolution:  Magic; sometimes it teaches a lesson

Enjoy!! Over the next few

weeks will explore the five types of folktales