Fairytales, myths, and legends

Folklore and Traditional Literature Folklore consists of a people group (or “folk”) and all of its accumulated facts (“lore”) including: traditional customs, beliefs, knowledge, values, and attitudes of the ordinary people. Folk + Lore = Folklore

A folk's lore is communicated by word of mouth until it is transcribed (written down); this is called “oral tradition.” Before people groups had written languages, oral tradition was the only means of preserving the history of a people and its culture.

Traditional Literature Fairytales, Myths, and Legends are only one part (the literary part) of a folk's lore

Folklore Fairy-tales Customs values legends Beliefs myths Facts

The science of folklore was born when collectors ("folklorists") began collect-ing items to preserve the lore and his-tory of various people groups. The birth of this science began in the early 19th century and is most often attributed to the Brothers Grimm, known best for their collection of what are now well-known fairy tales: Red Riding Hood, Snow-White, Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, etc.

What is a Legend? Legends are based on true events or half-truths and passed on from person to person. Legends carry important meanings and symbolism for their country of origin. Legends can be based on historical events and usually have a hero as a central character who must follow a spiritual journey to save him or herself and others. Examples of popular legends include: The Salmon of Knowledge, the Legend of Robin Hood and King Arthur and the legend of the Knights at the Round Table.

VoiceThread Questions Do children still enjoy hearing stories? Do to- day’s young people tell stories? Is this story tell- ing? Why or why not? How does it differ from face to face story tell-ing? Do you think these people are telling stories or just goofing around & partying?

What about myths…fairytales…legends… As a culture, do we still believe them? Tell them? Pass them on to other generations? Should we? Why do we or don’t we?