1. Myths, Legends, Epics, and Tales

2. Purpose
To be able to distinguish among different genres using their unique characteristics
To be able to read a story and based on the characteristics, decide which type of story it is

3. Types of Traditional Stories
Myths
Legends
Epics
Fables
Tall Tales

4. Characteristics of Traditional Stories
Myths-
A traditional story that was created to explain mysteries of the universe

5. Characteristics of Myths
Often explains how something connected with humans or nature came to be
Reveals the consequences of both good and bad behavior
Features gods or other beings who have supernatural powers as well as certain flaws

6. EXAMPLES? Movie- Clash of the Titans Novel- Helen of Troy
Novel- Last of the Amazons
Everyday myths- When someone is consistently lucky, that person is said to have the Midas touch. As in the myth of King Midas, everything the person touches turns to gold.

7. Characteristics of Traditional Stories
Legends-
A story passed down through many generations that is believed to be based on real people and events

8. Characteristics of Legends
Tells us about a hero or heroine who has unusual powers
Focuses on the hero’s or heroine’s struggle to defeat a powerful force
Highlights a positive quality or way of behaving

9. EXAMPLES?
Robin Hood
King Arthur
Beowulf

10. Characteristics of Traditional Stories
Epics-
A long, narrative poem often written in formal language, that tells about a series of quests undertaken by a great hero

11. Characteristics of Epics
Follows a quest, or journey, of a hero who has incredible strength and courage
Focuses on the hero’s character traits
Features hero’s tasks such as battles in which the hero is tested

12. The Odyssey-is about Odysseus and his return home to Ithaca.
EXAMPLES?
The Iliad- tells of the last year before the city of Troy was overrun by the Greeks
The Odyssey-is about Odysseus and his return home to Ithaca.

13. Characteristics of Traditional Stories
Fables-
A brief story that teaches a lesson, or moral, about human nature

14. Characteristics of Fables
Usually includes animal characters that stand for specific human qualities, such as kindness or dishonesty
Has a moral that is directly stated at the end or indirectly communicated through what happens in the fable

15. EXAMPLES?
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss- the importance of being kind to the environment. The Once-ler, whose face is never shown, represents industrialized society
The Tortoise and the Hare- Aesop’s most famous fable- This story teaches the importance of patience and the dangers of excessive pride by describing a race between a tortoise and the hare who often teased him for moving too slowly

16. Characteristics of Traditional Stories
Tall Tales-
A humorously exaggerated story about impossible events

17. Characteristics of Tall Tales
Stars a hero or heroine who is larger that life- that is; bigger, stronger, and even louder than an ordinary person
Uses exaggeration to emphasize the abilities and achievements of the hero or heroine

18. EXAMPLES?
Johnny Appleseed
Paul Bunyan
Davy Crockett

19. Cultural Values in Traditional Stories
Elements that define a culture-
Attitudes
Values
Ideals
hopes
Fears
Language
Humor
Expectations
Rules

20. Cultural Values They are constantly changing and evolving
Stories that reveal details about cultural values are like snapshots in time
They present a picture of the culture’s beliefs at the moment they were recorded
Can be preserved for future study or for future enjoyment

21. Cultural Values
Questions to ask when reading-
Who are the heroes and villains in the story?
What attitude and behaviors are rewarded and admired?
What can you learn about the characters?

22. Think-Pair-Share
If a new student was joining your English class, what advice would help the student understand how your class behaves and functions? What attitudes and behaviors are rewarded? What traits or actions are discouraged?
What would be the classroom culture?