Traditional Literature

Teacher Resource:
What is Traditional Literature?

Traditional literature is a genre that deals specifically with stories that were passed down through oral storytelling from generation to generation. Traditional literature consists of songs, stories, poems and riddles from anonymous sources.

There are many forms of traditional literature (myths, fables, epics, ballads, legends, folk rhymes, folktales) and many of the categories do overlap.

Folktales are a major form of traditional literature found all over the world. These stories have some elements in common and come in several different forms. Some types of folktales are: fairy tales, noodlehead tales, cumulative tales, pourquoi tales, and animal stories.

Folktales are considered part of the larger category of folklore that includes everything from nursery rhymes and fables to home remedies and proverbs.

Distinguished from folktales are: myths, legends, tall tales and epics. These are also stories from a culture’s oral tradition, but are not generally considered folktales. These stories emanate from a culture’s historical events, religion, and tradition.

Information compiled by Jennifer Stanbro—July 2006 Glossary of Folktale Forms

Fairy tale
This is the best known type of folktale, and one of the most popular. Fairy tales, sometimes called "magic stories," are filled with dreamlike possibility. Fairy tales feature transformations, magical interventions, enchanted forces, and, of course, magic. Fairy tales always have a "happily ever after" ending, where good is rewarded and evil is punished.
Characteristics:
 Tale of some length, with a succession of episodes and motifs
 Setting does not have a definite location or time
 Includes magic and/or magical characters and marvelous adventures

Sleeping Beauty by Mahlon F. Craft
Cinderella by Ruth Sanderson

Folktale
Folktales feature common people, such as peasants, and commonplace events. Characters are usually