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Folklore
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Folklore | Can be defined as all the traditions, customs, and stories that are passed along by word of mouth in a culture. Folklore stories are collected and written down only after they have been told for many years. |
Purpose of Folklore | 1. entertainment 2. keep the past alive 3. teach moral and illustrate qualities that are valued by the society 4. expose negative qualities |
Four Major Folklore Categories | Myth Folktales Fables Legends *Tall Tales |
Myth | 1. created to answer basic questions about the world and human life. 2. tell about events from distant past (thousands of years ago) 3. considered truthful and sacred by the societies that told them. 4. offer explanations of natural events |
Folktales | told primarily for entertainment. not supposed to be truthful or factual characters are either ordinary humans or animals that act like humans |
Folktales Cont. | sometimes the characters represent one human trait. magic and enchantment may play a key role typically, the humans are peasants or other members of the lower class portrayed as having better values than the rich and powerful. |
Folktales Cont. 2 | the themes are usually simple —the reward of good, punishment of evil, exposing of a fool some teach practical lessons some illustrate moral truths or offer warnings. |
Fables | 1. very short tales that illustrate a clear, often directly stated, moral (principle of right and wrong behavior). 2. characters are often animals that act like humans 3. often these animals have human faults |
Legends | 1. considered factual by those who tell them 2. many have some basis in historical fact. 3. set in the recent past (100 years ago) |
Tall Tales | are humorous legends with exaggerated characters and impossible events. The most important characters are heros and are usually strong, thoughtful, and courageous. |
Myth | Greek Gods, Arachne |