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 ► explains a lesson why things are as they are

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

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

Trickster Tales One character (the protagonist or trickster) is clever and devious causes problems for another character 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

Why “Pourquoi” 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

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