Folklore Around the World

For: Vienna Junior Day and Boarding School

By: Lauryn Cheri Wyatt from O’Fallon Township High School

Hello Everyone!

My name is Lauryn Wyatt. I live in Illinois in the United States of America. I am 18 years old and a Senior in High School. I move very often because my parents are in the military. And when I’m free, I’m either doing something physical like working out or playing Frisbee, or I’m playing my ukulele.

What is Folklore?

Folklore is the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth. They usually teach a lesson, which is called a ‘moral’, or explain how something came to be.

The first story we are going to read is a classic. This was probably one of the first stories I heard, you may have even heard this one. It is a fable called ‘The Tortoise and The Hare’.

The Tortoise and The Hare

There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, Slow and Steady, the tortoise, challenged him to a race. All the animals in the forest gathered to watch.

The Race began! Hare ran down the road for a while and then and paused to rest. He looked back at the Slow and Steady tortoise and cried out, "How do you expect to win this race when you are walking along at your slow, slow pace?”

The Tortoise and The HareHare stretched himself out alongside the road and fell asleep, thinking, "There is plenty of time to relax." The Slow and Steady tortoise walked and walked. He never, ever stopped until he came to the finish line. The animals who were watching cheered so loudly for Tortoise, they woke up Hare. Hare stretched and yawned and began to run again, but it was too late. Tortoise was over the line.

After that, Hare always reminded himself, "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won the race!"

What do you think the lesson or moral was here?

Exactly! Slow and Steady Win the Race! Work slowly but hard at a task. Working too fast will cause you to tire out.

Now I’m going to pass you off to my two friends the tortoise and the hare.

Hi! I’m Tony the Tortoise

And I’m Harry the

Hare

Tony and HarryAnd they’re going to tell you folklore stories from all around the world. Along the way, we are going to learn geography and vocabulary.Are you ready guys?!

Of course I’m ready! Let’s

do this thing! But remember, slow and steady, we will have some

fun activities after each story, so take your time.

First, let’s go to Brazil.

Brazil is located in

South America.

Brazil

BrazilAs you

can see, Brazil is huge!

Brazil is the largest country in South America, and the fifth largest nation in the world. It actually touches all of South Americas countries except Chile and Ecuador.

•Capital: Brasilia•Language: Portuguese

Brazil is most well known for having the biggest forest in the world, the Amazon.

BrazilThe Amazon holds many unique animals and plants like the macaw,

the pink river dolphin, and guarana.

Wow, that’s one

weird looking plant.

Yep, but it has a lot of uses. You can put it in drinks as a sweetener. It was even used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and

to help arthritis.

The Legend of “Guarana”An Amazon Indian tribe was well known for

its strong and courageous warriors. This people lived very happily. They grew some crops and there were always plenty of animals to hunt for food. The Indians believed they were so lucky because of the son of the "Cacique", the chief of the tribe. This child was much liked and everybody looked after him.

Yep, there’s even a story

of how it became.

Really?! Let’s read it!

The Legend of “Guarana”

One day, the warriors got distracted and the little boy went on his own into the forest to play. Jealous members of an enemy tribe used this opportunity to call on Jurupai, the "Bad Spirit", who came and asked them what they wanted of him. The men replied that they were jealous of the other tribe’s good fortunes and wanted Jurupai to put an end to that happiness by killing the little boy. So Jurupai transformed himself into a serpent and bit the boy. Later, the people of the boy’s tribe found him dead. They cried very much and decided to call Tupa, the "Good Spirit".

The Legend of “Guarana”

Tupa listened carefully and advised them to plant the boy’s eyes and water the soil with their tears. And so they did. In a few days, a beautiful plant began to grow. The plant produced small berries, which looked like the boy’s eyes. The Indians called the plant Guarana and from the berries they made a beverage, also called Guarana. This drink brought them good luck again, making them strong, keeping them young and rejuvenating the old people. Brazilians, still today, love to drink Guarana.

Questions

1. What continent is Brazil in?A. North AmericaB. South AmericaC. AsiaD. Europe

2. What is the capital of Brazil?A. ChileB. EquadorC. BrasiliaD. Amazon

3. What is Guarana?A. An animalB. A chiefs sonC. A plantD. Cacique

Wow that’s an

interesting story. Now, test

your knowledge.

4. What is the chiefs name?A. GuaranaB. CaciqueC. JurupaiD. Tupa

5. What did the Indians make out of the berries?A. LotionB. A beverageC. JewelryD. The “Good Spirit”

6. Brazil is the ________ largest nation in the world.A. 2nd

B. 4th

C. 5th

D. 6th

MalaysiaNext, let’s

move on to Malaysia.

Malaysia is located in southeast

Asia.

MalaysiaMalaysia shares borders with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.

•Capital: Kuala Lumpur•Language: Bahasa Malaysia

Malaysia is known for their

very tropical climate.

Let’s read a folk story

from Malaysia.

The Story of the Coconut Tree

There was once an old man. He was very, very old. Some people said he was a thousand years old! He was also very wise and he knew many things. Many people came to visit him in his cave near the sea. They always asked him to help them.

One day, a young man came to see this wise old man. "O wise father," said the young man, "I want to be useful to people. I want to serve them all my life. How can I do this?"

"That's very good," said the old man. "Here is a magic box. Do not open it until you reach home. If you open it now something will happen to you.

"Thank you, wise father," said the young man. He took the box and left. When he was out of the cave, he stopped. "I wonder what is in the box?" he said to himself. "I'm going to look.“

The Story of the Coconut Tree

The Story of the Coconut Tree

He opened the box and at once he turned into a tall tree—a coconut tree. That was his punishment for disobeying the old man, but his still had his wish because the coconut tree is very useful to people.

Questions1. Where is Malaysia?

A. Southeast AsiaB. South AsiaC. Southwest AsiaD. East Asia

2. Where was the old mans cave located?A. Outside the villageB. Near the riverC. In the mountainsD. Near the sea

3. What did the old man give his young visitor?A. A magic coconutB. A magic boxC. A magic wandD. A magic tree

4. When was the young man supposed to open his gift?A. When he got ready for bedB. When he finished his choresC. When the box rattledD. When he got home

5. What was the young mans wish for people?A. To serve themB. To rule themC. To teach themD. To feed them

6. True or False? At the end of the story, the young man did not get his wish.

A. TrueB. False

ItalyNow let’s head over to

Italy.

Italy is located in Europe.

Italy

• Capital: Rome• Language: Italian

Italy borders Austria, France, Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

Now that you know a little bit about Italy. Let’s read a popular

Italian folk story about a boy named Giufà that

learns a valuable life lesson.

Eat, My Clothes

Giufà was half a simpleton no one showed him any kindness, such as to invite him to his house or give him anything to eat. Once Giufà went to a farmhouse for something. And when the farmers saw him looking ragged and poor, they threatened him and almost set the dogs on him, which made him leave in a hurry.

When his mother heard of this she made him a fine coat, a pair of pants, and a velvet vest.

Eat, My Clothes Giufà dressed up like a boss, went to the same farmhouse. You should see what great ceremonies they made! The farmers invited him to dine with them. While at the table all were very attentive to Giufà.

Giufà, filled his stomach with the food they had provided, and at the same time, put food into his pockets, coat, hat and whatever was left over.

Then, talking to his clothes, he said, “Eat, for you were invited!“ The moral of the

story is. Clothes Make the Man.

Questions1. Who made clothing for Giufà?

A. The farmersB. His motherC. His father

2. What continent is Italy in?A. EuropeB. AsiaC. South AmericaD. North America

3. Name one country that touches Italy. __________

4. What is the capital of Italy? ___________

QuestionsThe moral of the story is that clothes make the man. Which means when people see a person look well-dressed, they assume that person is a professional, capable, and (especially in the old days) rich. Therefore you had to dress like how you wanted to be perceived, what you wanted to eventually achieve. Write down a goal you have for when you grow up and how you are going to achieve this.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UgandaNow we’ve come to Uganda.

But hey, you probably know way more about Uganda than we do, so

why don’t you teach this one.

Uganda1. What is

the capital of Uganda?

1. ________________2. ________________

2. What language do most

Ugandans speak?

Draw your favorite place in

Uganda.

1. Kampala 2. English or Swahili

Uganda Label Uganda and all the

African countries you

can.

Uganda

As this story has been passed along, it has been told differently. But here is a version that Tony and Harry enjoy.

I don’t know a lot about Uganda, but we do know a folk

story from there that you probably know.

It’s called How Zebra

Got His Stripes.

How Zebra Got His Stripes

One day a very long time ago, a large, fierce baboon climbed out of the trees where he lived. He decided that he would live on the banks of the river. He then declared to all of the animals in the jungle that the land belonged to him. He told them they could not use the water in the river. He was the only one allowed to drink.

How Zebra Got His Stripes

The animals were very upset. They needed the water to survive, but they were very afraid of Baboon. They didn't know what to do. Then, a young, brave zebra named Dube spoke. He was very beautiful, with a pure white coat. (Long ago, all zebras were solid white.)

How Zebra Got His Stripes

"I'm not afraid of Baboon," Dube exclaimed. "I will tell him we are going to drink the water.“

Dube met with Baboon, but Baboon would not talk with him. So, Dube challenged him to a fight. Baboon laughed. He had fought and won many battles.

"The loser of the fight," said Baboon, "will be banished from the jungles and the rivers. He must live forever on the kopje [a barren, rocky hill].“

How Zebra Got His Stripes

Dube agreed. They decided to meet early the next morning at Baboon's kraal (corral or yard area).

Both animals used all their strength and skill. Dube used his sharp hooves and teeth. Baboon used his long, sharp teeth and his agility.

How Zebra Got His Stripes

At one point, Dube was thrown backward into the blazing kraal fire. The fire licked at his body. He jumped from the flames. He gave Baboon a huge kick that sent him flying over the river. He landed on the hot rocks of the kopje with a big thud! And to this day he carries the bare patch where he landed.

How Zebra Got His Stripes

Dube had won, but he was left with marks. The burns from the fire left black marks on his snow-white coat. From that day on, the zebras wore their stripes with pride, as a symbol of Dube's struggle to make sure the water was free for all the animals.

Questions1. What was the zebras name?

A. DubeB. DukeC. ZubeD. Zuke

2. What did baboon forbid the animals of the jungle to do?A. To eat from the Dube treeB. To roam on his propertyC. To drink water from the riverD. To take the kopje rocks

3. Name a country that surrounds Uganda. ___________

4. What is a kopje? _____________

5. Who was the experienced fighter? Baboon or Zebra

AustraliaOur last stop is

Australia.

Australia is a country as well as a

continent.

Australia

•Capital: Canberra•Language: English

Most Australian cities and farms are located in the southwest and southeast, where the climate is more comfortable. There are dense rain forests in the northeast. The famous outback (remote rural areas) contains the country's largest deserts, where there are scorching temperatures, little water, and almost no vegetation. More than one-third of Australia is desert.

AustraliaBefore we start reading this story, you need to know some information.

Topknot Pigeons or “Flock”

Pigeons are pigeons native

to Australia. They are

generally found in hundreds.

Goolahwilleel the Topknot PigeonsYoung Goolahwilleel used to go out hunting

every day. His mother and sisters always expected that he would bring home kangaroo and emu for them. But each day he came home without any meat at all. They asked him what he did in the bush, as he evidently did not hunt. He said that he did hunt.

"Then why," said they, "do you bring us nothing home?“

Goolahwilleel the Topknot Pigeons

"I cannot catch and kill what I follow," he said. "You hear me cry out when I find kangaroo or emu; is it not so?“

"Yes; each day we hear you call when you find something, and each day we get ready the fire, expecting you to bring home the spoils of the chase, but you bring nothing.“

"To-morrow," he said, "you shall not be disappointed. I will bring you a kangaroo."

Goolahwilleel the Topknot Pigeons

Every day, instead of hunting, Goolahwilleel had been gathering wattle-gum, and with this he had been modelling a kangaroo-a perfect model of one, tail, ears, and all complete. So the next day he came towards the camp carrying this kangaroo made of gum. Seeing him coming, and also seeing that he was carrying the promised kangaroo, his mother and sisters said: "Ah, Goolahwilleel spoke truly. He has kept his word, and now brings us a kangaroo. Pile up the fire. To-night we shall eat meat."

Goolahwilleel the Topknot PigeonsAbout a hundred yards away from the camp Goolahwilleel put down his model, and came on without it. His mother called out: "Where is the kangaroo you brought home?

"Oh, over there." And he pointed towards where he had left it.

The sisters ran to get it, but came back saying: "Where is it? We cannot see it.“

"Over there," he said, pointing again.

Goolahwilleel the Topknot Pigeons

"But there is only a great figure of gum there.“

"Well, did I say it was anything else? Did I not say it was gum?"

"No, you did not. You said it was a kangaroo.“

"And so it is a kangaroo. A beautiful kangaroo that I made all by myself." And he smiled quite proudly to think what a fine kangaroo he had made.

Goolahwilleel the Topknot Pigeons

But his mother and sisters did not smile. They seized him and gave him a good beating for deceiving them. They told him he should never go out alone again, for he only played instead of hunting, though he knew they starved for meat. They would always in the future go with him.

And so for ever the Goolahwilleels went in flocks, never more singly, in search of food.

Questions

1. What two animals did Goolahwilleel’s mother and sisters want him to bring in? _________ and ___________.

2. What did Goolahwilleel make a kangaroo out of? ___________

3. Is Australia a _________.A. CountryB. ContinentC. BothD. Neither

4. What is the capital of Australia?A. CanberraB. VictoriaC. DarwinD. Sydney

5. What does Goolahwilleel do when he finds a kangaroo or emu?

A. Makes a meal out of themB. Cries out to his familyC. Turns them into gumD. Pokes them with his beak

Answers: Brazil

1. B2. C3. C4. B5. B6. C

Answers: Malaysia

1. A2. D3. B4. D5. A

Answers: Italy

1. B2. A3. Austria, France, Vatican City, San Marino,

Slovenia, and Switzerland4. Rome

Answers: Uganda

1. A2. C3. Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania, Rwanda,

Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan4. A barren, rocky hill

Answers to Map

Answers: Australia

1. Kangaroo and emu2. Wattle-Gum3. C4. A5. B

Glossary

Fable – a short story that teaches a lessonSimpleton - A foolish or gullible personWattle-Gum - A gum arabic extracted from the

Australian and East African trees