Folk LiteratureWhat is a folktale?

a. A story that began with oral storytelling

b. It was passed down through the ages

c. Sometimes it teaches a lesson

d. It may explain why things are as they are

FolktalesFolk Tales belong to a category known as folkloreFolklore consists of stories, tales, legends, songs, art, & rituals of a particular peopleFolk Tales can be practical, mythical, or religious

Characteristics of Folktalessimple and straightforwardincludes magic or supernatural powerscharacters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, lazinessproblems and conflicts are clearending is usually happy or satisfyinggood is usually rewarded, evil punished

Types of Folk Literature

Tall-Tales

Fables

Fairytales

Legends

FablesStories that teach a lesson or moralanimal characters with human characteristicsstress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfiedMorals are not stated directlylistener must find their own moral in the tale

Fairytales• Include good and bad characters• There’s a hero or heroine• Contains magic or fantasy• Includes predictable beginnings and endings

“Once upon a time” or “Happily ever after”• Include Royalty.• There’s a problem which is usually overcome

through kindness, courage, or intelligence

Well-Known Folktales

The Brothers Grimm (Wilhelm & Jakob) collected the oral German folktales & published them in 1812Their tales include: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel & Grettl, Snow-white, Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and more

American folktales originated from:Native American storiesPilgrims from EnglandSettlers who moved WestImmigrants to America

Famous American folktales:Daniel BooneBrer Rabbit and Brer FoxCasey JonesJohn HenryBig FootThree Billy Goats Gruff

Fables Definition: a brief story in prose or verse that teaches a moral or gives a practical lesson about how to get along in life Origin: fables began being made up & told in India then moved to Greece around 600 B. C. Most famous fables are said to be told by a Greek slave named Aesop

Tall Tales Definition: an exaggerated, fanciful story that gets “taller & taller” & more far-fetched, the more it is told and retold Usually told in first-person as if the story were true Popular from 1830 – 1860; intent of tall tale is humor Examples: Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Annie Oakley, Mike Fink, & more

Legends

• Usually involve everyday people, but animals are also involved.

• Explains how or why something in the world came to be.

• Might teach a lesson, might not.

Important Vocabulary

• Dialect- a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area and that uses some of its own words, grammar, and pronunciations. Example: Ya’ll.

• Oral Tradition- cultural information passed from one generation to the next by storytellers.

• Culture- traditions and beliefs that are common to an identifiable social group or race.

• Hyperbole- an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.