Folktales

What is a folktale?

a story or legend handed down from generation to generationusually passed down through oral retellingexplains something that happens in nature or conveys a certain truth about life

Characteristics of Folktales

Simple and straightforward Includes magical or supernatural elementsCharacters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, etc.Problems and conflicts are clearEnding is usually happy or satisfyingGood is usually rewarded; evil is usually punished

Types of Folktales

Trickster talesFablesWhy “Porquoi” storiesFairy TalesTall Tales

Trickster Tales

One character (protagonist, trickster) is clever or deviousUsually causes problems for others in the storyUsually goes unpunishedDifferent cultures have different tricksters

Trickster Tales

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

Fables

Short storiesTeach a lesson or moralThemes: cooperation, differing viewpoints, rewardsSome have several layers of meaning; morals may not be obviousListeners can find their own moral

Fairytales

Include good and bad charactersHeroes, heroinesMagic, fantasyPredictable beginnings and endings; “Once upon a time…”, “And they lived happily ever after.”Problems usually overcome through kindness, courage, or intelligence

Tall Tales

Contain many exaggerationsMain character is bigger than life or may have superhuman abilitiesProblem to be solvedPlot is funny and impossibleProblem is solved by the end

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

Elements of Folktales

Theme: a story’s statement about lifeCharacters: people or figures in a storySetting: time and location of a storyPlot: action or events of a storyStyle and Tone: how the story is written

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

Characterization

Usually either very good or very bad Most characteristics are exaggeratedThe 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

Setting

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

Plot

Full of actionFollows simple, specific patternGrabs and holds reader’s interest and attention from the beginningConflicts usually resolved with great acts of kindness and are related to good and/or evil

Style and Tone

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

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!