Folk Literature What is a folktale? a. A story that began with oral storytelling b. It was passed down through the ages c. Sometimes it teaches a lesson d. It may explain why things are as they are

Folktales Folk Tales belong to a category known as folklore Folklore consists of stories, tales, legends, songs, art, & rituals of a particular people Folk Tales can be practical, mythical, or religious

Characteristics of Folktales simple and straightforward includes magic or supernatural powers characters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, laziness problems and conflicts are clear ending is usually happy or satisfying good is usually rewarded, evil punished

Types of Folk Literature Tall-Tales Fables Fairytales Legends

Fables Stories that teach a lesson or moral animal characters with human characteristics stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfied Morals are not stated directly listener must find their own moral in the tale

Fairytales Include good and bad characters There’s a hero or heroine Contains magic or fantasy Includes predictable beginnings and endings “Once upon a time” or “Happily ever after” Include Royalty. There’s a problem which is usually overcome through kindness, courage, or intelligence

Well-Known Folktales The Brothers Grimm (Wilhelm & Jakob) collected the oral German folktales & published them in 1812 Their tales include: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel & Grettl, Snow-white, Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and more

American folktales originated from: Native American stories Pilgrims from England Settlers who moved West Immigrants to America Famous American folktales: Daniel Boone Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox Casey Jones John Henry Big Foot Three Billy Goats Gruff

Fables Definition: a brief story in prose or verse that teaches a moral or gives a practical lesson about how to get along in life Origin: fables began being made up & told in India then moved to Greece around 600 B. C. Most famous fables are said to be told by a Greek slave named Aesop

Tall Tales Definition: an exaggerated, fanciful story that gets “taller & taller” & more far-fetched, the more it is told and retold Usually told in first-person as if the story were true Popular from 1830 – 1860; intent of tall tale is humor Examples: Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Annie Oakley, Mike Fink, & more

Legends Usually involve everyday people, but animals are also involved. Explains how or why something in the world came to be. Might teach a lesson, might not.

Important Vocabulary Dialect- a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area and that uses some of its own words, grammar, and pronunciations. Example: Ya’ll. Oral Tradition- cultural information passed from one generation to the next by storytellers. Culture- traditions and beliefs that are common to an identifiable social group or race. Hyperbole- an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.