Traditional LiteratureFolktales

Fairy talesFablesMyths

LegendsTall Tales

Traditional Literature

*Passed down orally from one generation to the next

*At some point, it was written down *Every culture has these stories

Folktales

*giants, witches, magic, ogres

*involves a task

Folktales

Examples:

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

The Three Little Pigs

Fairy tales

• Magic and wonder (like wow!)

Fairy tales

Examples:

Cinderella

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Fables

Animal stories that teach a lesson.

Fables

Examples:

Little Red Hen

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Myths

• Explain how the world began• Explain things in nature• Stories about gods and

supernatural beings• Called “why stories”

Myths

Examples:

Greek myths such as Hercules

How the Rabbit Got a Short Tail

Legends

*Often based on historical figures- sometimes saints

*Based in truth, but with some exaggeration

*Told to showcase a particular virtue

Legends

Examples:

Robin Hood

Sir Lancelot

Tall Tales

• Larger than life characters

• Based on lies and exaggerations

Tall Tales

Examples:

Daniel BooneJohnny AppleseedJohn Henry