Traditional Literature

WCES4TH Grade

Dianne Bridges

ELACC4RL9Compare and contrast

the treatment of similar themes and topics

(e.g., opposition of good and evil)

and patterns of events (e.g., the quest)

in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

CHARACTERISTICS

Passed down from generation to generation

Fast paced plotGood vs. EvilHappy endings Characters are either good or bad Theme {lesson to be learned}

Types of

Traditional Literature Folktale Fable Fairytale Myth Legend Tall Tale

Folktale A folktale is a short narrative passed down

from generation to generation. Folktales include:

FairytalesMyths

TALL TALES

Fable

Legend

Fable A fable is a short narrative that teaches

a moral lesson, often using talking animals.

Example: The Lion and the Mouse

Fairytale A fairytale is an unbelievable tale involving

magic. They usually begin with “Once upon a time” and end with “and they lived happily ever after.” It often uses the number 3.

Example: The Three Little Pigs

Tall Tale A tall tale is a narrative than is based on

exaggerations of larger than life characters. Example: John Henry

LegendA legend is a narrative whose main

characters are based on historical figures. The story is embellished to

teach a lesson. Exaggeration is usually involved.

Example: The Legend of the Evergreen Tree

Myth A myth is an ancient story used to

explain aspects of the natural world. They usually have gods and goddesses.