Eng8 Q3 W6 Las1
Eng8 Q3 W6 Las1
Eng8 Q3 W6 Las1
Types of Folktales
Folktales are old story that originally was passed down orally, or by word of mouth. They are told for
entertainment but many also teach lessons about proper behaviour and show what values are important to the
community. It sometimes features animals who behave like humans. Sometimes it’s real people that has been
exaggerated. There are different types of folktales:
1. Fairy Tale is a type of folktale that features magical elements such as dragons, fairies, gnomes,
goblins, elves or giants. Often the story will involve a far-fetched sequence of events.
2. Myth is a story usually featuring some supernatural being or god (the hero) which has been passed
down for generations. These stories usually explain a phenomenon of nature. Example: The myth of
Prometheus, which explains how human got fire.
3. Fable is a story that usually uses animals to teach a valuable life lesson or moral. It often uses
animals as main characters that are presented with humanlike characteristics such as the ability to speak and
to reason.
4. Legend is usually includes an element of truth, or is based on historic facts, but with mythical
qualities. It usually involves heroic characters or fantastic places and often encompasses the spiritual beliefs of
the culture in which they originate.
5. Tall Tale is a story, sometimes about real people that has been exaggerated. Tall tales use
hyperbole, which is an extreme exaggeration.
Activity 1. Using the spider map below, identify different types of folktale. Define and give an example for each
type.
Types of Folktale
Activity 2. Answer this question briefly. Write your answer on the space provided.
1. What is your favourite bedtime story and how does it affect your values as a student?
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