1. Folk Literature An Introduction

2. Types of Folk Literature Myths and Legends Epics and Fairy Tales Folk Tales, Tall Tales, and Fairy Tales Fables Folk Songs Proverbs

3. Myth Traditional stories from particular cultures that deal with GODS, GODDESSES, and other SUPERNATURAL beings Have a human (or human-like) hero Embody religious beliefs and values Explain natural occurrences (human creation, creation of the heavens, etc.) Ex: “Perseus”

4. Legend Story passed down through generations Based on real events of characters from long ago Have historical basis May contain fantastic or unverifiable elements Ex: George Washington chopping down the cherry tree; King Arthur

5. Folk Tales Brief stories passed by word of mouth from generation to generation Contain ordinary people Ex: “Axe Murder Hollow”

6. Tall Tale Lighthearted and humorous Highly exaggerated, unrealistic Ex: the story of Paul Bunyan

7. Fairy Tales Mischievous spirits and other supernatural elements Often in a medieval setting Ex: Name some!

8. Fable Brief stories Animal characters Express morals Ex: “Tortoise and the Hare,” “Grasshopper and the Ant”

9. Proverbs Also known as “adage” Traditional short sayings Give people advice about how to live Expresses a belief generally thought to be true Ex: “One bad apple spoils the bunch.” “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

10. Archetypes Story, character, motif, or theme representing a familiar pattern repeated throughout literature and across cultures. One reason we can understand the universal meaning of traditional forms of literature Ex: The Hero, The Mentor, the quest, rebirth, initiation, Temptress, Damsel in Distress, the Trickster (think “Bugs Bunny”) Can you think of examples of these?

11. Questions Why does folk literature often use repetition and archetypal elements? Why do authors of other works refer to (allude to) folk literature so often?