Folktales What is a folktale Characteristics of folktales

Folktales ► What is a folktale? ► Characteristics of folktales ► Types of folktales ► Some well-known folktales

What is a folktale? story that began with oral storytelling passed down through the ages teaches a lesson explains why things are as they are

Folktales ► What is a folktale? ► Characteristics ► Types ► Some of folktales well-known folktales

Characteristics of Folktales ► simple and straightforward ► includes magic or supernatural powers ► characters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom, foolishness, laziness ► problems and conflicts are clear ► ending usually happy or satisfying ► good usually rewarded, evil punished

Folktales ► What is a folktale? ► Characteristics ► Types ► Some of folktales well-known folktales

Types of Folktales ► Trickster tales ► Fables ► Why “Pourquoi” stories ► Fairytales

Trickster Tales One character (the antagonist or trickster) is clever and devious causes problems for another is usually unpunished Different cultures have specific tricksters

Tricksters from Different Cultures

Fables ► Short stories ► teach a lesson or moral ► animal characters with human characteristics ► stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfied ► some have several layers of meaning (Indian tales) ► Morals are not stated directly ► listener must find their own moral in the tale

Why “Porquoi” Stories ► Explain why something is as it is ► Explain how things came to be ? ? ? ?

Fairytales • • • Include good and bad characters A hero or heroine Magic or fantasy Includes predictable beginnings and endings “Once upon a time” “Happily ever after” Problem which is usually overcome through kindness, courage, intelligence

Folktales ► What is a folktale? ► Types of folktales ► Characteristics ► Some of folktales well-known folktales

Well-known Folktales *Tortoise and the Hare *The Three Little Pigs *Cinderella *Jack and the Beanstalk *Bre’r Rabbit and Bre’r Fox End of Presentation