What is a folktale Reviewing the types and

Review… �Folktales were the oral tradition of adults �They were passed down through many

Types… � Fairy Tales • think princesses, good v evil, once upon a time,

Common Themes in Folktales �Fear of not being loved �Fear of leaving home �Good

Characterization… �Characters are usually flat (simple) and uncomplicated. �They typically only change through their

Common Settings… �TIME: fantasy time such as Long ago, Once upon a time, or

Common Plot Elements… �Folktales are usually full of action and follow a basic plotline

Common Styles and Tones… � Descriptions are quick and to the point, but create

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What is a folktale? Reviewing the types and elements of folklore

Review… �Folktales were the oral tradition of adults �They were passed down through many generations by word of mouth �They are usually about peoples’ lives and imaginations as they struggled with their anxieties and fears about the world around them (prior to the scientific reasoning we have now) �They were made up to explain the wonders of the world (weather, animals, etc).

Types… � Fairy Tales • think princesses, good v evil, once upon a time, happily ever after, magic � Fables • SHORT stories involving animals with a moral (lesson) � Myths • gods and goddesses, unusual creatures, explain how things came to be � Legends • everyday people that do extraordinary things (King Arthur, Billy the Kid) � Tall Tales • everyday people WITH SUPERHUMAN abilities, linked to a historical time period, resolution usually humorous

Common Themes in Folktales �Fear of not being loved �Fear of leaving home �Good and Evil �Right and Wrong �Happiness �Kindness �Friendship �Loyalty

Characterization… �Characters are usually flat (simple) and uncomplicated. �They typically only change through their mindset (aka their lesson learned) �The hero is usually young, fair, kind, charitable, honorable, courageous, unselfish, and may possess a special power.

Common Settings… �TIME: fantasy time such as Long ago, Once upon a time, or A long time ago �Place: usually described easily and briefly, leaving the rest up to imagination • Example: a cottage in the woods or a magical kingdom

Common Plot Elements… �Folktales are usually full of action and follow a basic plotline of events that usually starts with a quick grab of the reader’s attention. �Conflicts are usually resolved with great deeds or acts of human kindness.

Common Styles and Tones… � Descriptions are quick and to the point, but create strong images with a small amount of language. � Often there are promises made and promises broken. � The number three is used A LOT in folklore. � Magic is usually used to explain the unexplainable � Repeated phrases are used frequently (Little pig, let me in…Not by the hair on my chinny chin!) � Sometimes folktales explain a natural phenomena that would otherwise have no explanation.