What is a folktale?

I need to know so I can

write one!

What is a folktale?

●A folktale is a story which began

with oral storytelling

●passed down through the ages

teaches a lesson

●explains 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 anotheris usually unpunishedDifferent cultures have specific tricksters

Tricksters From Other Countries

North America

Africa Japan Europe

Coyote Tortoise Badger Fox

Hare Anasi the

Spider

Wolf

Raven Zomo the Hare

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

• Some have several layers of meaning • Morals may not be stated directly• Listener must find their own moral in the tale

Why? Or Porquis? 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, or intelligence