Unit Study Myths, Fables, Legends, Fairytales, and Folk Tales

1. “All known societies embrace the virtues of truthfulness, integrity, loyalty, fairness; none explicitly endorse falsehood, dishonesty, disloyalty, gross inequity.” Howard Gardner Unit Study Myths, Fables, Legends, Fairytales, and Folk Tales

2. Narrative Story Telling • Oral tradition exists in all cultures! • Pre-literate times. • Stories have been passed down from one generation to the next. • The goal of such story telling is to impart a lesson or moral, and convey to the listeners social codes of conduct. • Additionally, these stories preserve cultural identity. • “Rule of Three” Part of the story is repeated three times, with minor variations. The first two instances build tension, and the third releases it by incorporating a twist. • The stock formula of the first, second, and third attempts makes the story easier to remember.

3. The Storyteller • Storytellers traditionally hold a high place of honor in his society. • The duties of an oral storyteller includes: advisor, court singer, poet, tribal historian, genealogist, teacher, composer, critic, warrior, traveler, and reporter. Nicknames: • Griots—West Africa • Bards—Gaelic • Ashiks—Arabic • Scops—Anglo-Saxon • Brahmans—Hindu

4. Myths— from Greek “Mythos” meaning a thought or story Elements of Myths Examples of Myths • Ancient stories dealing with supernatural beings, heroes, ancestors, or gods • Attempts to explain mysteries, supernatural events, and cultural traditions • Events are symbolic not intended to be factual • Themes: Origin stories, lessons about moral behavior and social values. • Noah’s Arc & flood myths • 12 Labors of Hercules • Achilles' Heel • Odysseus and Cyclops • Oedipus Rex • Creation myths • Pandora’s Box • Prometheus’ Fire In class reading: Sacred Texts “Rig Veda”, Navajo creation myth, “Tao Te Ching”

5. Fables - from Latin “Fabula” a story, a tale Elements of Fables Examples of Fables • Short and simple, belongs to the oral tradition of story telling. • Protagonist is sometimes an anthropomorphized animal—has human traits and abilities • Story is pure fiction but still conveys a moral or lesson • Poetic elements include double meaning, and symbolism—the animals reflect human nature • A person who writes fables is a fabulist • Aesop “Tortoise and the Hare” • Beatrix Potter “Peter Rabbit” • David Sedaris “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” • Doctor Seuss • George Orwell’s Animal Farm In class reading: The Dog and the Wolf

6. The Trickster Fable • Amoral figure, does not see right from wrong. • Trickster’s key skill is wit and cunning. • Sometime the trickster himself is tricked but will still find a way to teach his opponent a lesson. Trickster possesses a balance of opposite traits • Omniscient creator and innocent fool • Malicious destroyer and childish prankster • Physical underdog but clever and savvy Trickster figures include: • Br'erRabbit - of African American origin. • Coyote- of native North America. In class reading: “Anansi’s fishing expedition”

7. Legend—From Latin “legenda” meaning things to be read and taught Elements of Legends Examples of Legends • Oral tradition, passed down through word of mouth • Historical basis, includes some verifiable evidence or facts • Exaggerates elements of a real hero or amalgamation of heroes • Focuses on the cultural values of a specific people, explains why they believe and act as they do Lost city of Atlantis William Tell shooting the apple with an arrow Robin Hood St. Patrick and St. Valentine In class reading selections • Epic Heroes: Beowulf, Ramayana • Legend of the Holy Grail • Chivalric Heroes: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

8. Fairy Tales– from French “contede fées” Elements of Fairy Tales Examples of Fairy Tales • Pure fiction, fantasy and make believe • Doesn’t have to include fairies, but has elements of magic, enchantment, transformation and supernatural beings • Theme: good versus evil • Once upon a time… happily ever after • “Rapunzel” • “Snow White” • Brother’s Grimm • Hans Christian Andersen • L. Frank Baum Wizard of Oz In class reading selections “Cinderella”

9. Folk Tales—folcOld English for “common people” “men,” “tribe,” “multitude” Elements of Folk Tales Examples of Folk Tales • A story for or about a specific group of people/town or country • Historical basis, includes some verifiable facts but is exaggerated • Doesn’t have to teach a lesson or moral, the theme can show pride for a particular place or culture • Any belief or story passed on traditionally, especially one considered to be false or based on superstition • Gravity Hill in Bedford PA • Urban Legends • Big Foot • Johnny Appleseed • Paul Bunyan • St. Niklaus In class reading selections “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman”

10. Quick Distinction… • The chief purpose of a myth is to explain • The chief purpose of a fable is to instruct • The chief purpose of a legend is to record important events • The chief purpose of fairy tales and folk tales is to entertain the audience