Learn About Folktales Compiled by Deb Thonus

Learn About Folktales Where do folktales come from? Elements found in folktales Types of folktales Popular folktales

Where do folktales come from? Menu Most traditional folktales are very old. They are stories which were passed down to new generations by storytellers. Later they were written down. Each tale may have many versions. Folktales are told all over the world. Often folktales teach lessons.

Elements found in Folktales Often has good and bad characters Involves common people and/or animals Main characters usually have a problem to solve Usually has a happy ending Menu

Types of Folktales Trickster tales Fables Menu Menu

Trickster Tales One character is clever and very tricky Trickster causes problems for another character He/she usually gets away with the trick Different cultures have specific tricksters. EX: Brer Rabbit (American), Coyote (Native American), Anansi (African)

Fables Short stories Teach a lesson Animal characters with human characteristics Stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if lesson is learned Lessons may not be stated directly Listener must find their own lesson in the tale

What’s the difference between a Fable and a Folktale? The short answer is, “not much.” Basically, the term “Folktale” is an umbrella term that includes a few different types of stories, including Fables. The only element that is exclusive to Fables is that the main characters are usually animals (or sometimes plants), rather than human beings.

Some common folktales Paul Bunyan John Henry Pecos Bill Brer Rabbit Casey Jones Aesop’s Fables