Unit StudyMyths, Fables, Legends,

Fairytales, and Folk Tales

“All known societies embrace the virtues of truthfulness, integrity, loyalty, fairness; none explicitly endorse falsehood, dishonesty,

disloyalty, gross inequity.” Howard Gardner

Narrative Story TellingOral tradition exists in all cultures!Pre-literate times.Stories have been passed down from one generation to

the next.The goal of such story telling is to impart a lesson or

moral, and convey to the listeners social codes of conduct.

Additionally, these stories preserve cultural identity. “Rule of Three” Part of the story is repeated three

times, with minor variations. The first two instances build tension, and the third releases it by incorporating a twist.

The stock formula of the first, second, and third attempts makes the story easier to remember.

The StorytellerStorytellers

traditionally hold a high place of honor in his society.

The duties of an oral storyteller includes: advisor, court singer, poet, tribal historian, genealogist, teacher, composer, critic, warrior, traveler, and reporter.

Nicknames:Griots—West AfricaBards—GaelicAshiks—Arabic Scops—Anglo-Saxon Brahmans—Hindu

Elements of MythsAncient stories dealing

with supernatural beings, heroes, ancestors, or gods

Attempts to explain mysteries, supernatural events, and cultural traditions

Events are symbolic not intended to be factual

Themes: Origin stories, lessons about moral behavior and social values.

Noah’s Arc & flood myths 12 Labors of Hercules Achilles' Heel Odysseus and Cyclops Oedipus Rex Creation myths Pandora’s Box Prometheus’ Fire

In class reading: Sacred Texts “Rig Veda”, Navajo creation myth, “Tao Te Ching”

Myths— from Greek “Mythos” meaning a thought or story

Examples of Myths

Elements of Fables Short and simple, belongs

to the oral tradition of story telling.

Protagonist is sometimes an anthropomorphized animal—has human traits and abilities

Story is pure fiction but still conveys a moral or lesson

Poetic elements include double meaning, and symbolism—the animals reflect human nature

A person who writes fables is a fabulist

Aesop “Tortoise and the Hare”

Beatrix Potter “Peter Rabbit”

David Sedaris “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk”

Doctor Seuss George Orwell’s Animal

FarmIn class reading: The Dog and the Wolf

Fables - from Latin “Fabula” a story, a tale

Examples of Fables

The Trickster FableAmoral figure, does

not see right from wrong.

Trickster’s key skill is wit and cunning.

Sometime the trickster himself is tricked but will still find a way to teach his opponent a lesson.

Trickster possesses a balance of opposite traits Omniscient creator and innocent

fool Malicious destroyer and childish

prankster Physical underdog but clever and

savvy

Trickster figures include: Br'er Rabbit - of African

American origin. Coyote- of native North

America.

In class reading: “Anansi’s fishing expedition”

Elements of Legends

Oral tradition, passed down through word of mouth

Historical basis, includes some verifiable evidence or facts

Exaggerates elements of a real hero or amalgamation of heroes

Focuses on the cultural values of a specific people, explains why they believe and act as they do

Lost city of AtlantisWilliam Tell shooting the apple with an arrowRobin Hood St. Patrick and St. Valentine

In class reading selections Epic Heroes: Beowulf,

Ramayana Legend of the Holy Grail Chivalric Heroes: King

Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

Legend—From Latin “legenda” meaning things to be read and taught

Examples of Legends

Elements of Fairy TalesPure fiction, fantasy and

make believeDoesn’t have to include

fairies, but has elements of magic, enchantment, transformation and supernatural beings

Theme: good versus evilOnce upon a time…

happily ever after

“Rapunzel”“Snow White”Brother’s GrimmHans Christian

AndersenL. Frank Baum Wizard of Oz

In class reading selections“Cinderella”

Fairy Tales– from French “conte de fées”

Examples of Fairy Tales

Elements of Folk Tales A story for or about a

specific group of people/town or country

Historical basis, includes some verifiable facts but is exaggerated

Doesn’t have to teach a lesson or moral, the theme can show pride for a particular place or culture

Any belief or story passed on traditionally, especially one considered to be false or based on superstition

Gravity Hill in Bedford PA Urban Legends Big Foot Johnny Appleseed Paul Bunyan St. Niklaus

In class reading selections“La Llorona: The Weeping

Woman”

Folk Tales—folc  Old English for “common people” “men,” “tribe,”

“multitude”Examples of Folk Tales

The chief purpose of a myth is to explain

The chief purpose of a fable is to instruct

The chief purpose of a legend is to record important events

The chief purpose of fairy tales and folk tales is to entertain the audience

Quick Distinction…