Elements of Folktales

1
Elements of Folktales
2
What is a Folktale?

• Folktales were passed down from generation to
  generation by word of mouth, which is called oral
  tradition.
• Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of
  the world or to teach morals and lessons.

3
Common Elements of Folktales

• Rule of Three Items happen in sets of 3 or 7s
  (things happen in 3s, lots of repetition or
  repeated phrases)
• - 3 characters
• - 3 events
• - 3 tests the character must overcome
• Ex Jack and the Beanstalk showed Jack climbing
  the beanstalk three times. The wicked stepmother
  visited Snow White in the forest three times
  before she finally got her to eat the apple.
  Three little pigs were tested by the wolf.
• Magic/Spirits are commonly used, to explain the
  unexplainable.
• You will see similar characteristics from stories
  across the world

4
Folktales
Myths
Fables
Fairy tales
Legends
Fables, fairy tales, legends, and myths all fit
under this umbrella.
5
Elements of Fables

• These are stories that teach a lesson or have a
  moral usually stated at the end
• The main characters of fables are usually animals
  with human characteristics
• (Anthropomorphism)
• Characters must overcome obstacles or pass
  challenges

6
Examples of Fables

• Tortoise and the Hare
• Lion and the Mouse

7
Elements of Fairytales

• Usually has a hero or heroine
• Has magic/magical creatures
• Often begins with Once upon a time or Long,
  long ago
• Conflicts are resolved through kindness, courage
  or intelligence
• End with happily ever after
• Underdog usually wins

8
Examples of Fairy Tales

• Cinderella
• Sleeping Beauty
• Aladdin

9
Elements of Legends

• Refer to individuals, heroes, or kings who lived
  in a period before written record.
• Based on facts, but changed to make it more
  interesting
• (Hyperbole)

10
Example of Legends

• Robin Hood
• King Arthur

11
Elements of Myths

• Reveal values of the society for which they were
  created.
• Explain WHY something is as it is
• Explains HOW something came to be and it usually
  explains something in nature (creation myths/hero
  myths)
• Feature gods or other beings with supernatural
  powers

12
Examples of Myths

• Perseus and Medusa
• Theseus and the Minotaur

13
What elements do they all have in common?

• 1. Characters are not well-developed
• Flat characters
• (no change)
• Cardboard characters
• (Prince rescuer, Owlwise, Princess helpless,
  witchevil)
• 2. Predictable Plots
• Unhappy/Unfortunate Start?Tests/Trials along the
  way ?Happy Ending
• 3. All questions are answered at the end Morals
  / Themes / Messages

14
They all share common themes

• Characters go through tests to prove something
  (the good character must solve a problem)
• Good versus Evil (has characters that good,
  others are bad)
• Good is rewarded and Evil is punished in the end
  (tales have a happy ending)

15
Most Common Folk Tale Across Cultures
16
Group Activity

• Why do you think these stories changed as they
  were passed down through each generation?
• Lets find out!