1. Compiled by Deb Thonus

2. They come from all over the world.  They have no specific author because they are stories that are handed down from storytellers around the world  Something extraordinary happens to an ordinary character Folktales are interesting because…

3. Where do folktales come from? Most traditional folktales are very old. They are stories which were passed down to new generations by storytellers. Later they were written down. Each tale may have many versions. Folktales are told all over the world. Often folktales teach lessons. Fables and fairy tales are types of folktales. Menu

4. Common Features Different Genres have different characteristics. Folktales have many common features that help you understand the story.

5. Have no time frame, but most are thought to have happened in the past Start with Once upon a time, or Long, long ago Usually teach a lesson

6. The characters in the beginning of the story are usually unsuccessful because they are foolish or unkind. The character that lasts until the end of the story is usually smart, and loving, which helps them succeed.

7. Folktales may have magic such as wishes being granted or magic objects within the story. Animals, plants, and sometimes even machines have human characteristics. Talking, Walking, Singing etc…

8. Folktales sometimes have a monster, or evil character that the “HERO” must overcome. Characters often use trickery or cleverness to defeat the monster or complete the quest (task).

9. In folktales three is the key number. There may be three main characters, three magic objects, three tasks to be completed, or even three different settings in the story.

10. Types of Folktales Tall Tales (Trickster Tales) Fables Fairytales Myth Legend Menu

11. Tall Tales One character is clever and very tricky Trickster causes problems for another character He/she usually gets away with the trick Different cultures have specific tricksters- Example: Anansi the Spider in Ashanti tales.

12. Tricksters from Different Cultures Menu

13. Fables Short stories Teach a lesson Animal characters with human characteristics Stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if lesson is learned Lessons may not be stated directly Listener must find their own lesson in the tale

14. Fairytales Include good and bad characters A hero or heroine Magic or fantasy Includes predictable beginnings and endings “Once upon a time” “Happily ever after” Problem which is usually overcome through kindness, courage, intelligence

15. Legend A traditional story that is based on a real event or person but cannot be proven. Examples: Big Foot Loch Ness Monster

16. Myth A folktale that is considered sacred and explains how things came to be. Examples: Hades: the Greek god of the underworld Zeus: the Greek god of lightening and King of the gods Artemis: the goddess of Archery and maidens Poseidon: the god of the sea Apollo: the god of Archery, music, young men, and the sun

17. Some familiar folktales Could you retell some of these stories? How do you know they are folktales? Stone Soup The Three Little Pigs Cinderella Tortoise and the Hare Jack and the Beanstalk Little Red Riding Hood Goldilocks and the Three Bears Rumplestiltskin