Loading...

Introduction to Folklore

 

Goal:

Goal:

What is folklore?

Folklore are stories that are passed down from generation to generation. The stories can be called folktales or fables.

Look at these pictures from popular folklores. Can you tell which stories they are? Click each picture to learn more about what is in folklore stories.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Picture from the story "The Three Little Pigs".

This is a picture from the story “The Three Little Pigs.”

All folklores teach us the beliefs, customs, and traditions of communities.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Picture from the popular story "The Little Red Riding Hood".

This is a picture from the popular story “The Little Red Riding Hood.”

All folklores have a moral or teach a lesson, like tall tales. They teach this lesson through a problem that must be solved.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Picture from the popular story "Hansel and Gretel".

This is a picture from the popular story “Hansel and Gretel.”

All folktales and fairy tales have characters. You can think of characters are the actors in a story. A fable has animals as characters. A folktale has only people as characters.

Question

What is the difference between a folktale and a fable?

Both are stories that are passed down, but a folktale only has people in it. A fable has animals as characters.