Name: _____________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________
Myths, Fables, and Folk Tales In this unit you will be reading and analyzing myths, fables and folk tales. Each one has its own unique elements, but they all have commonalities. Characteristics of: Myths A myth is a made-up story that explains the existence of a natural phenomenon — such as where thunder comes from or why snow falls from the sky. Myths, which often include gods and goddesses and other supernatural characters who have the power to make extraordinary things happen, are popular even when people know the actual reasons for natural phenomena. Hero with a fatal flaw (Hercules, Achilles, etc.) Hero on a quest (Odysseus, Theseus) Intervention of gods/goddesses in human affairs Supernatural activity (Underworld, superhuman strength) Explanation of why things are a certain way (why there is spring, stars in the sky, etc.) Reward for goodness/punishment for evil (and arrogance)
Fables (a type of Folk Tale) Fables usually feature animals that demonstrate very specific human characteristics. Characters are frequently animals with human traits Short, often without dialogue Have a moral May or may not have a known author
Folk Tales Folktales are often stories of animals that act like humans, and that live in a world of wonder and magic. Most of these stories convey a message or moral to the reader, or explain something in a creative way. Folktales are often passed down and retold from generation to generation. Authors are unknown Stories are passed orally from one generation to the next (retellings may not be exactly the same) Include fairy tales, ghost stories, hero stories/tall tales, adventure stories Characters can be animals Characters may represent qualities like honesty, laziness, pride, etc. Might include magic or supernatural activity May explain why certain things exist in nature Connected to a culture
The Anatomy of a Tale Story Elements Characters: People, animals, or other creatures who take part in a story. Setting: When and where the story events take place. Plot: The plot of a story tells what happens from the beginning to the end. A plot often includes a problem that the main character faces and tries to solve. Solution: The way a problem gets worked out. Foreshadowing: The use of clues to give you an idea of what will happen later in the story. Theme/Lesson: What the story is meant to teach you. Event: Something that happens during the plot of a story.
Types of Tales Folk Tale: a simple story that has been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. Folktales are told primarily to entertain rather than to explain or teach a lesson. Tall Tale: a humorously exaggerated story about impossible events. Fairy Tale: a fictional story that features magical characters and involves magic or enchantments. Fairy Tales often have unlikely events and plots. Myth: a story, passed down from generation to generation, that explains how the world was created or why the world is the way it is. Fable: a brief tale that teaches a lesson about human nature. Fables often have animals as characters.
Assignment: Your assignment will be to read 2 examples of each of the following: -
Myth
-
Fable
-
Folk Tale
Complete one graphic organizer for each, paying special attention to the elements of each story.
There are examples of these stories provided by your ELA teacher and the examples found in the Holt Elements of Literature are listed below. You make the choice as to which 2 you read of each type of story: myth, fable, folk tale. Myths p. 258 "Baucis and Philemon" Greek myth retold by Olivia Coolidge p. 350 “Medusa’s Head” Greek myth retold by Olivia Coolidge p. 360 “Perseus and the Gorgon’s Head” retold by Marcia Williams Fables p. 371 “The Fox and The Crow” Greek Fable by Aesop, dramatized by Mara Rockliff p. 372 “The Wolf and the House Dog” Greek Fable by Aesop, dramatized by Mara Rockliff Folk Tales p. 366 “He Lion, Bruh Bear, and Bruh Rabbit” African American folk tale retold by Virginia Hamilton p. 378 “How the Snake Got Poison” an African American folk tale retold by Zora Neale Hurston p. 382 “How the Possum Lost the Hair on Its Tail” an African American folk tale retold by Zora Neale Hurston p. 384 “Why the ‘Gator is Black” an African American folk tale retold by Zora Neale Hurston p. 398 “Why Dogs Chase Cats” an African American folk tale retold by Julius Lester
Elements of a Myth Title: Natural phenomenon – choose something that interests you Observations about it
Descriptive Language and Key words
Exposition/Beginning Main character:
Setting:
What does the character want?: Conflict/Problem - What problem is keeping the character from getting what he/she wants
Rising Action - Events that show the main character trying to solve the problem
Climax - Event or happening that lets the reader know that the problem will be solved.
Falling Action - What happens once the problem is solved? Does the character get what he/she wants?
Resolution/Ending - What happens that gives the reader a sense of completeness/satisfaction?
Elements of a Myth Title: Natural phenomenon – choose something that interests you Observations about it
Descriptive Language and Key words
Exposition/Beginning Main character:
Setting:
What does the character want?: Conflict/Problem - What problem is keeping the character from getting what he/she wants
Rising Action - Events that show the main character trying to solve the problem
Climax - Event or happening that lets the reader know that the problem will be solved.
Falling Action - What happens once the problem is solved? Does the character get what he/she wants?
Resolution/Ending - What happens that gives the reader a sense of completeness/satisfaction?
Elements of a Fable Title: Characters (Animals with human traits)
Setting Observations about it
Problem
Events
Solution
Moral/Lesson
First sentence(s): [Could begin with “Once upon a time…”]
Descriptive Language and Key words
Elements of a Fable Title: Characters (Animals with human traits)
Setting Observations about it
Problem
Events
Solution
Moral/Lesson
First sentence(s): [Could begin with “Once upon a time…”]
Descriptive Language and Key words
Elements of a Folk Tale Title: Description of the world/setting/cultural elements Observations about it
Descriptive Language and Key words
Main Character
Message/Moral - phenomenon in the world, or a lesson about human nature
Beginning
Conflict Events
Solution
Ending
Elements of a Folk Tale Title: Description of the world/setting/cultural elements Observations about it
Descriptive Language and Key words
Main Character
Message/Moral - phenomenon in the world, or a lesson about human nature
Beginning
Conflict Events
Solution
Ending
