Folktales

Learn About Folktales Where do folktales come from?

Elements found in folktales

Types of folktales

Popular folktales

Where do folktales come from?Most traditional folktales are very old. They are stories

which were passed down to new generations by

storytellers. Later they were written down. Each tale

may have many versions.

Folktales are told all over the world.

Often folktales teach lessons.

Fables and fairy tales are types of folktales.

Elements found in FolktalesMay use the phrase “Once upon a time"May use the number three in the story ... number of

characters, events, wishes, etc.Has good and bad charactersUses repetition of phrases or responses, ex: “Little pig,

little pig, let me in,” from “The Three Little Pigs.”Involves common people and/or animalsMain characters have a problem to solveHas a happy ending. Problem is solved.

Types of FolktalesTrickster tales

Fables

Why “Porquoi”

stories

Fairytales

Trickster TalesOne character is clever and very trickyTrickster causes problems for another characterHe/she usually gets away with the trickDifferent cultures have specific tricksters-

Example: Anansi the Spider in Ashanti tales.

Tricksters from Different Cultures

North America

China Australia Europe Africa

Coyote Monkey Crow Fox Spider

Raven Wolf

Rabbit

FablesShort storiesTeach a lesson Animal characters with human characteristicsStress themes such as: the value of cooperation,

looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if lesson is learned

Lessons may not be stated directlyListener must find their own lesson in the tale

“Porquoi” StoriesExplain why something is as it isExplain how things came to be Example: Australian Aboriginal dreamtime stories

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

Some familiar folktales• Could you retell some of these stories?• How do you know they are folktales?

The Three Little PigsCinderella

Tortoise and the HareJack and the BeanstalkLittle Red Riding Hood

Goldilocks and the Three BearsRumplestiltskin

AssignmentWrite your own folktale picture book!1. Pick a partner, or choose to work by yourself.2. Pick a topic that you want to investigate in your folktale. Look at the sheet that explains the elements of folktales for ideas.3. Create a characters and a plot line for your folktale. Decide what your theme will be for your story.4. Draft your story.5. Draw pictures for your story. Your story should have between 8 and 10 pages with illustrations.6. Put the pictures and story together to create a neat picture book.7. You will be graded on content, story development, and quality of work. Your book will be worth 50 points and is due next Tuesday.