Traditional Literary Genres
Stories have been part of people's lives for thousands of years. Folklore refers to the traditional stories that people have told and passed on to one another. Some of the oldest stories are part of the folklore genre. In this genre, there are also specific types of stories, such as folktales, fables, and fairy tales.
Folktales
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• Folktales refer to stories or legends that have been passed down for many generations. These stories are often told aloud instead of read.
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Characteristics of Folktales
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Purpose — Some folktales explain how something in the world came to be. Other folktales will teach the values of a specific culture. In general, folktales were a way for people to understand the world around them.
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Characters — Folktales often focus on common people. The hero or heroine of a folktale is usually a kind young person. The characters may also have some special abilities.
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Magical/Supernatural Elements — Folktales may also include things that are not possible in everyday life. These includes talking animals, magical powers, or supernatural creatures.
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Themes — Folktales often have universal themes that most if not all people will be able to understand and relate to. The themes usually focus on virtues, such as compassion and generosity.
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Move on to the next page to learn about fables.
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2nd Grade Reading - Folklore Lesson