1. Estonian folk tales

2. Folk tales classification myth müüt legend muistend fairy tale muinasjutt joke naljand, anekdoot memorate, personal story pajatus

3. Myth The term "myth" is often used to refer to a false story. In the study of folklore, a myth is a sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. The events in myth happen long-long time ago. E.g. explanations about the creation of the world are in regilaul “Creation”.

4. Legend A legend is a narrative of human or supernatural actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within real history. T he story teller strongly believes that the incidents or the phenomena in such story do actually occur. Legend, for its active and passive participants includes no happenings that are outside the realm of "possibility". Legends may include miracles that are perceived as actually having happened. Legends about supernatural heros, ghosts (Kalevipoeg, dead’s soul) Legends about historical persons (Swedish king) Explanatory legend - about origin of natural objects, places etc (the Kalevipoeg’s beds and stones)

5. Fairy tale Fairy tale is a folk narrative (Germ. Märchen, Italian fiaba, Polish baśń) used mostly for entertainment. People who tell and listen them do not believe that they really happened. Fairy tales typically feature such folkloric characters as fairies, goblins, giants and usually magic or enchantments. They take place “once upon a time” rather than in actual times. Animal tales “True” fairy tales Miraculous tales Novella tales Tales of the Stupid Ogre

6. Animal tales The main characters are animal, presumed to have human thoughts and behaviors. Some stories show cleverness or foolishness of the animals. Sometimes, it can be a story of a cheating animal that usually bully other animals and finally get into the troubles. Very typical character is a clever fox (or chackal) and a foolish wolf.

7. True fairy tales Miraculous tales are the “classic” of fairy tales. traditional formulas: “Ones upon the time...”, "... and they all lived happily ever after", originally, "happily until their deaths". magic numbers: 3, 7... interesting plot with magic, miracles, supernatural creatures contain moral lessons that teach appropriate ways of living and behaving

8. Novella tales. Their content is more realistic. Characters in the story are rather common people, because of their ordinary lifestyles. Main characters have to show their wisdom and skills in solving problems and get through troubles with bravery and patience for successfully conquering their obstacles and enemies. Scenes and surrounding environments are also more realistic. Tales of the Stupid Ogre. Ogre is a large, cruel, monstrous and hideous humanoid monster, featured in mythology, folklore and fiction. In Estonian folklore he is called Vanapagan ‘Old Devil’.

9. Fairy tales are international. There exists classification of fairy tales compiled by Aarne- Thompsoni-Uther (ATU + Nr). Many fairy tales come from Orient “ Arabian Night” (first published in 1814, 1818), some wellknown western tales can be find in “Decameron”, Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm’s Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household Tales, 1812, 1815 ).

10. Estonian fairy tale tradition is influenced by Fr. R. Kreutzwald “Eesti rahva ennemuistsed jutud” (Ancient tales of Estonian folk, 1866). In English: “Heavanly wedding” (Piret Päär, Anne Türnpu 2005), “Estonian fairytales” (August Jakobson, 2007), “Estonian fairy tales” (I. Železnova, 1981)

11. Jokes naljandid older peasant jokes anekdoodid more modern jokes

12. Memorate Memorate, personal stroy - biographical narratives, retold memories etc.

13. Muinasjutukool The school of Fairytales http://www.rahvakultuur.ee/muinasjutukool/ In English: http://www.rahvakultuur.ee/?s=332