1. Elements of a folktale
Ms. Jones 6th grade ELA

2. What is a folktale? Folktales were the oral tradition of adults
They were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth
They are stories about peoples’ lives and imaginations as they struggled with their fears and anxieties about the world around them
Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world

3. Types of folktales
Trickster Tales
Fables
Pourquoi tales
Fairytales

4. Trickster tales
One character, usually the protagonist, is clever and devious
The protagonist causes problems for the other characters
Usually goes unpunished
Example “Trickster” Characters: Anansi the Spider (Africa), Hare (North America), Wolf (Europe), Badger (Japan)

5. fables
These are usually considered short stories that teach a lesson or have a moral
The main characters of Fables are usually animals with human characteristics
Themes are evident, such as cooperation or different perspectives of the same problem
The moral is never stated, but needs to be inferred by the reader
Examples: Tortoise and the Hare, Town Mouse and Country Mouse

6. Pourquoi Tales French for “why” Explains WHY something is as it is
Explains HOW something came to be
Examples: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears, The Story of Lightning and Thunder

7. Fairytales Include good and bad characters
Usually has a hero or heroine
Has Magic
Often begins with “Once upon a time”
Conflicts are resolved through kindness, courage or intelligence

8. Theme Fear of not being loved Fear of leaving home Good and Evil
Right and Wrong
Happiness, Kindness, Friendship, Loyalty

9. Characterization
Characters are usually flat, meaning that they are uncomplicated and change only in their mindset (from the lesson learned) throughout the course of the story
The hero is usually young and fair, kind, charitable, honorable, courageous, unselfish, and may possess some sort of special power

10. Setting
Place is usually described easily and briefly, leaving the imagination to fill in the gaps. For example, folktales take place in a cottage in the woods or in a magical kingdom
Time is fantasy time, such as Once upon a time, or A long time ago

11. Plot
Folktales are full of action and follow a basic plotline of events, that usually starts quickly to grab the readers attention.
Conflicts are usually resolved with great deeds or acts of human kindness

12. Style and tone
Descriptions are quick and to the point, but create strong images without a lot of language.
Often there are promises made or promises broken.
The number three is used in a lot of folklore.
Magic is commonly used, to explain the unexplainable.
Sometimes, folktales have repeated phrases.
Folktales explain a natural phenomena that otherwise would have no explanation.

13. Your task
With a partner, collect two or three folktales. Read them together, and locate the elements of folktales that are evident in your selections. Be prepared to share your work with the class.