Folk Tales

1. Folk Tales

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Common Themes in Folktales • Heroic qualities (wisdom, bravery, etc) • Nature and animals • Good vs. evil • Power of magic (people, objects, events) • Certain numbers (3, 7, etc) • Basic values of a culture • Kindness, friendship, loyalty

5. Some well-known folktales… • Cinderella • The Tortoise and the Hare • Jack and the Beanstalk • The Three Little Pigs • Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox • Hansel and Gretel • Aesop’s Fables • Johnny Appleseed

6. Types of Folktales • Fables • Fairy Tales • Tall Tales • Myths • Legends

7. Fables A fable is a short narrative making a moral point. Example: Tortoise and the Hare

8. Characteristics of Fables • Characters: Animals acting like people, 3 or less characters • Setting:  Generally outside somewhere • Problem:  Generally only one problem involving trickery • Solution:  Ends with a lesson (Moral)

9. Fairytales A fairy tale is a fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children. Example: Cinderella

10. 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!"

11. Tall Tales • A tale tale is an extravagant, fanciful or greatly exaggeratedstory. Usually focuses on the achievements of the ultimate hero. Example: Paul Bunyan

12. Characteristics of Tall Tales • Characters: Everyday people with superhuman abilities • Setting:  Linked to a real historical time period • Problem:  Problem solved in a humorous way • Solution:  Exaggerated details; tells about a person's accomplishments

13. 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

14. Characteristics of Myths • Characters: Gods and Goddesses • Setting:  Nothing specific • Problem:  Explains something that happens in nature by using Gods and/or Goddesses; good is rewarded, bad is punished • Solution:  Magic, unusual creatures, Can also teach a lesson

15. Legends A legend is a traditional tale handed down from earlier times and believed to have an historical basis. Example: Atlantis

16. Characteristics of Legends • Characters: Every day people; animals are often main characters • Setting:  Nothing specific • Problem:  Explains how or why something in nature came to be • Solution:  Magic; sometimes it teaches a lesson

17. Enjoy!! Over the next few weeks will explore the five types of folktales