1. Folk Tales

2. What is a folktale?
Folktales were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, which is called oral tradition.
Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world or to teach morals and lessons.
In most cases the author is unknown.

3. Characteristics of Folktales
Simple and straightforward..
Includes magical or supernatural elements.
Problems and conflicts are clear.
Ending is usually happy or satisfying.
Good is usually rewarded; evil is usually punished.
Speak to universal and timeless themes.

4. Common Themes in Folktales
Heroic qualities (wisdom, bravery, etc)
Nature and animals
Good vs. evil
Power of magic (people, objects, events)
Certain numbers (3, 7, etc)
Basic values of a culture
Kindness, friendship, loyalty

5. Some well-known folktales…
Cinderella
The Tortoise and the Hare
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Three Little Pigs
Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox
Hansel and Gretel
Aesop’s Fables
Johnny Appleseed

6. Types of Folktales
Fables
Fairy Tales
Tall Tales
Myths
Legends

7. Fables A fable is a short narrative making a moral point.
Example: Tortoise and the Hare

8. Characteristics of Fables
Characters: Animals acting like people, 3 or less characters
Setting:  Generally outside somewhere
Problem:  Generally only one problem involving trickery
Solution:  Ends with a lesson (Moral)

9. Fairytales
A fairy tale is a fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children. 
Example: Cinderella

10. Characteristics of Fairy Tales
Characters: Royalty or Animals that are either good or bad Setting: Castle or Forest Problem: Good versus Evil Solution: Magic, repetition of "3" or "7" *Begins with "Once upon a time“ *Ends with "And they lived happily, ever after!"

11. Tall Tales
A tale tale is an extravagant, fanciful or greatly exaggerated story. Usually focuses on the achievements of the ultimate hero.
Example: Paul Bunyan

12. Characteristics of Tall Tales
Characters: Everyday people with superhuman abilities
Setting:  Linked to a real historical time period
Problem:  Problem solved in a humorous way
Solution:  Exaggerated details; tells about a person's accomplishments

13. Myths
A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Example: The Mighty Hercules

14. Characteristics of Myths
Characters: Gods and Goddesses
Setting:  Nothing specific
Problem:  Explains something that happens in nature by using Gods and/or Goddesses; good is rewarded, bad is punished
Solution:  Magic, unusual creatures, Can also teach a lesson

15. Legends
A legend is a traditional tale handed down from earlier times and believed to have an historical basis. Example: Atlantis

16. Characteristics of Legends
Characters: Every day people; animals are often main characters
Setting:  Nothing specific
Problem:  Explains how or why something in nature came to be
Solution:  Magic; sometimes it teaches a lesson

17. Over the next few weeks will explore the five types of folktales
Enjoy!!
Over the next few weeks will explore the five types of folktales