Myths, Legends, Epics, and Tales

Purpose To be able to distinguish among different genres using their unique characteristics To be able to read a story and based on the characteristics, decide which type of story it is

Types of Traditional Stories Myths Legends Epics Fables Tall Tales

Characteristics of Traditional Stories Myths- A traditional story that was created to explain mysteries of the universe

Characteristics of Myths Often explains how something connected with humans or nature came to be Reveals the consequences of both good and bad behavior Features gods or other beings who have supernatural powers as well as certain flaws

EXAMPLES? Movie- Clash of the Titans Novel- Helen of Troy Novel- Last of the Amazons Everyday myths- When someone is consistently lucky, that person is said to have the Midas touch. As in the myth of King Midas, everything the person touches turns to gold.

Characteristics of Traditional Stories Legends- A story passed down through many generations that is believed to be based on real people and events

Characteristics of Legends Tells us about a hero or heroine who has unusual powers Focuses on the hero’s or heroine’s struggle to defeat a powerful force Highlights a positive quality or way of behaving

EXAMPLES? Robin Hood King Arthur Beowulf

Characteristics of Traditional Stories Epics- A long, narrative poem often written in formal language, that tells about a series of quests undertaken by a great hero

Characteristics of Epics Follows a quest, or journey, of a hero who has incredible strength and courage Focuses on the hero’s character traits Features hero’s tasks such as battles in which the hero is tested

The Odyssey-is about Odysseus and his return home to Ithaca. EXAMPLES? The Iliad- tells of the last year before the city of Troy was overrun by the Greeks The Odyssey-is about Odysseus and his return home to Ithaca.

Characteristics of Traditional Stories Fables- A brief story that teaches a lesson, or moral, about human nature

Characteristics of Fables Usually includes animal characters that stand for specific human qualities, such as kindness or dishonesty Has a moral that is directly stated at the end or indirectly communicated through what happens in the fable

EXAMPLES? The Lorax by Dr. Seuss- the importance of being kind to the environment. The Once-ler, whose face is never shown, represents industrialized society The Tortoise and the Hare- Aesop’s most famous fable- This story teaches the importance of patience and the dangers of excessive pride by describing a race between a tortoise and the hare who often teased him for moving too slowly

Characteristics of Traditional Stories Tall Tales- A humorously exaggerated story about impossible events

Characteristics of Tall Tales Stars a hero or heroine who is larger that life- that is; bigger, stronger, and even louder than an ordinary person Uses exaggeration to emphasize the abilities and achievements of the hero or heroine

EXAMPLES? Johnny Appleseed Paul Bunyan Davy Crockett

Cultural Values in Traditional Stories Elements that define a culture- Attitudes Values Ideals hopes Fears Language Humor Expectations Rules

Cultural Values They are constantly changing and evolving Stories that reveal details about cultural values are like snapshots in time They present a picture of the culture’s beliefs at the moment they were recorded Can be preserved for future study or for future enjoyment

Cultural Values Questions to ask when reading- Who are the heroes and villains in the story? What attitude and behaviors are rewarded and admired? What can you learn about the characters?

Think-Pair-Share If a new student was joining your English class, what advice would help the student understand how your class behaves and functions? What attitudes and behaviors are rewarded? What traits or actions are discouraged? What would be the classroom culture?