Myths, Fairytale, Tall Tales, Legends, and Fables

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Myths Stories about gods,

goddesses, and spirits Try to explain how things in

the world were created Many famous ones are Greek,

Roman, Viking, Native American

Example: Pandora’s Box

Fairytale Stories that have been

passed down for hundreds of years

Setting is along time ago

Magic, imaginary creatures, and talking animals can be included

Example: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Tall Tales Stories that stretch the

truth Could be about real

people or imaginary characters

Usually show great strength or size

Example: John Henry

Legends Always about humans but can

have magic or supernatural events

Based on real people who are considered heroes

Story handed down for many years; truth becomes distorted

Example: Johnny Appleseed

Fables Short story that teaches a

lesson (called a moral) Characters are usually animals Aesop is the most well-known

author Example: The Town Mouse

and the Country Mouse

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Fairytale? Legend? Fable? Tall Tale? Myth?