Types of Tales Mythology Unit

Fairy Tale Simple story that deals with supernatural beings, told primarily for the benefit of children; any message would be simple such as “The good guy always wins” – the hero slays the dragon, awakens the princess with a kiss, and so on. Can we name a few?

Fable Usually a story in which animals act like and talk like human beings in order to get a message across; for example, in AESOP’s FABLES a tortoise shows us that “the slow, sure, and steady can win a contest against one who is speedier but careless.” Something you remember?

Parable Objects and people used in a story to get across a message; there are many Biblical parables which give religious messages. For example, the parable of the mustard seed where “the giant mustard plant grows from a tiny seed.” Examples anyone?

Legend A story that got it start from some actual event in the past, but because people kept exaggerating what really happened, the story becomes a legend. For example, “Davey Crockett killed a ‘bar’ when he was only three.” Any ideas?

Myth A story that helps to explain some unexplainable event. For example: myths explain how the universe or the world was created, why volcanoes erupt, how evil started, how fire came about, etc. As people became more rational and intelligent, they were able to explain some of the events more scientifically. Stories to mention?

Science Fiction Present-day myths still exist in the form of science-fiction. For example, science fiction writers told stories of space travel and what the moon would be like until the moon landing in 1969 when they began writing about other planets, other species, strange powers, and other things science has not yet explained. Examples you’ve read or seen?

Epic A long story-poem about the adventures of a hero or a legend who displays superhuman strength, skill or cunning. Can you think of any?

Folk Tale A fictional story, most often told orally, that tells a timeless story about traditions and beliefs of a group. Ie: American folktales such as Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, or Johnny Appleseed. Examples Anyone?