Unit 5: Introduction to Folk Literature

Myths are traditional stories, rooted in a particular culture, that deal with gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings, as well as human heroes.

Legends are stories that are passed down through generations and are often based on real events or characters from long ago.

Epics are long stories, often told in verse, involving heroes and gods.

Folk tales are brief stories passed by word of mouth from generation to generation.

Fairy tales are stories that deal with mischievous spirits and other supernatural occurrences, often in medieval settings.

Parables are very brief stories told to teach moral lessons.

Fables are brief stories, often with animal characters, told to express morals.

Spirituals are religious songs from the African American folk tradition.

Proverbs, or adages, are traditional sayings, such as “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” and the title of Shakespeare’s play All’s Well That Ends Well.