Folktales, Fables, Legends, Fairy Tales Genre Study

Folktales: Elements A folktale is a type of traditional story that tries to explain or understand the world. They are NOT considered to be true. Orally passed down through the generations and feature morals or lessons. Over many generations, the story may change, but its core remains the same. Usually take place long ago in a faraway place Talking animals, royalty, peasants, or mythical creatures Goodness is always rewarded. Heroes and heroines live happily ever after while villains are suitably punished. Usually have no identified author, but they mirror the values and culture of the society from which they came.

Folktales: Examples T

Folktales: Class Mentor Text

Fables: Elements A fictional story that often involves magical creatures and places and has a moral to the story it tells. Include elements of the natural environment where the fable came from, along with native animals, forests, lakes, and other features of the region Told as a good way of educating children in proper behavior

Fables: Examples The Hare and the Tortoise

Fables: Class Mentor Text

Legends: Elements Stories that were once believed to be true, but its content has turned out to be fictional. Exaggerated, but within an area of possibility and are believable Contain a moral or meaning that is revealed within the story. (This is why these stories have been passed down over time.) Is focused on individual people and their accomplishments Fictional heroes or real people whose deeds have been exaggerated. They were either so lifelike or so admirable that people wished they were real!

Legends: Examples T

Legends: Class Mentor Text

Fairy Tales: Elements Characters: fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, dwarves, giants, gnomes Magic or enchantments Good wins over evil, the bad are punished, and the good prosper.

Fairy Tales: Examples T

Fairy Tales: Class Mentor Text