Types of Stories

Folk=people Passed on from one person to another by word of mouth. Not written down, but told only from memory. Many fairy tales originate from folk tales.

Example: Little Red Riding Hood; Cinderella

Folk tale written and standardized by a single author. Often have similar features of traditional folktales: distant generic kingdom flat and stereotyped characters magical element happy ending

Legends can be about real or supposedly real people. Tell the stories/histories of their marvelous deeds. Legendary characters such as King Arthur and Robin Hood.

Example: Sword in the Stone

Simple stories that teach a moral lesson or universal truth. Characters are often animals. Often the moral is stated at the end of the story.

Example: The Ant and the Grasshopper

Recount and explain the origins of the world & nature. Characters are mainly gods and goddesses, with occasional mention of humans. Setting is high above earth in the home of the gods.

Example: Zeus, & Hercules (Greek Mythology)

A short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson. Religious in nature.

Examples: Good Samaritan; Prodigal Son

Short, rhymed poem, song or tale written for young children. Sometimes written to teach a lesson.

Example: Mary had a little lamb, Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

Often based on fact, but highly exaggerated. Meant mainly to humor or entertain. Defy logic. No moral lessons.