The Elements of a folktale

1. The Elements of a folktale English II

2. What is a folktale? • A narrative or legend that that is passed down orally from one generation to the next, and often becomes part of a community’s tradition.

3. Characteristics of a folktale • Part of oral tradition group, were usually told and not read • Passed down from one generation to the other • Speak to universal and timeless themes: May explain origins of something, try to help people make sense of some aspects of existence • May or may not contain supernatural elements (such as talking animals) • Are often about the common person

4. The Oral Tradition • Folktales are part of the oral tradition. Some cultures did not write down stories or important aspects of history or tradition. • Instead, there was the ritual of passing down this information by word of mouth through storytellers generation after generation. The oral tradition includes fairytales and fables (which are types of folklore), proverbs, gospels, myths, tall tales, and spoken word from different societies and cultures all over the world.

5. The Griot and the African Oral Tradition • The griot (pronounced with a silent t) were preservers of ancient traditions or “speaking documents”. • They were responsible for delivering history, folktales, customs and traditions through storytelling in their village. • The griot profession is inherited and passed on from generation to generation. One remains a griot for life. • This important role still exists in parts of Africa today.

6. The Trickster Tale • Trickster tale is a type of folktale • The “trickster” is a character who is cunning and uses slyness and trickery to try to outwit enemies.

7. Examples of the trickster • Brer Rabbit in African American Folklore • Anansi the Spider in African folklore • Robin Hood in European Folklore • In modern American culture, Bugs Bunny could be an example of the trickster; he uses his cleverness to outsmart his enemies.

8. The Moral of the Story Is… • Most traditional folktales have a moral, or instructive message. Often a character acts in a moral way at some cost to him or herself. However, the right behavior is rewarded, or there is a universal lesson to be learned in the end. Folktales teach us what traits are valued and not valued in a culture. • Example: The Tortoise and the Hare • Moral:Slow and steady wins the race

9. Free Write • In your own words, explain why the oral tradition is important. Next, what types of traditions or stories have been passed down through your family over the generations? What values have been taught? Who (are) were the storytellers? (at least 5 sentences!)