 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…

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

Folktales usually… 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

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 and the ability to think…

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.