Fairy Tales folktales and fables Common Elements FAIRY

Fairy Tales, folktales, and fables Common Elements

FAIRY TALES – A fairy tale is a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters (fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, witches, giants, and talking animals) and enchantments, often involving a far-fetched sequence of events. The term is also used to describe something blessed with unusual happiness, as in “fairy tale ending” or “fairy tale romance, ” though not all fairy tales end happily.

FAIRY TALES – Fairy tales are a separate genre in literature. They have their roots in the oral tradition. Fairy tales with very similar plots, characters. And motifs are found spread across many different cultures. Fairy tales also tend to take on the color of their location, through the choice of motifs, the style in which they are told, and the depiction of character and local culture.

Common Elements All fairy tales have common threads that link them all together.

“Once upon a time…” –Fairy tales usually start with “once upon a time” and are mostly in a faraway land a long time ago. –They usually, but not always, end with “happily ever after. ”

Royalty –Fairy tales always have someone of royal or noble blood. –These can include Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses. –They will often include very poor people or peasants.

Animals –Animals in fairy tales often have magical abilities and have a pivotal role in the story.

Enchanted Forest –Setting is usually an enchanted forest, a castle or a kingdom.

Magic –One character is usually gifted with magical powers. They can be either good or evil.

Good vs. Evil –Innocent, good characters are subjected to misfortune and evil misdoings. –Evil and powerful antagonists fight against good.

Number Patterns –Look for patterns using 3, 5, 6, 7 and 12.

Lesson or Moral –Sometimes a fairy tale can teach a lesson. –They can touch on universal themes such gender roles, family issues, coming of age, good over evil.

Common Elements – “Once Upon a Time…” – Royalty/Poverty – Animals – Enchanted Forest – Magic/Magical Person – Good vs. Evil – Number Patterns – “Happily Ever After” – Lesson or Moral

Fairy Tale, Folktale, and Fables Fairy tales and folk tales tend to get mixed up a lot. Folk tales are based in cultures. They do still tell stories and often have the same elements as fairy tales, but they are always based in some sort of culture. Fairy tales are stories told for fun. They don’t depend on culture to get some part of their meaning. Fables have a lesson. While also fun, they’re main reason is to teach children.