myths, folktales, & fables. what is a myth? a traditional story that explains some aspect of...
TRANSCRIPT
What is a myth? A traditional story that explains some
aspect of human life or the natural world.
Myths, Folktales, and Fables are all considered oral literature, or stories that were passed down from one generation to the next.
Functions of MythsTo explain the creation of the
worldTo explain the human condition
How/why people were createdWhy they are flawedWhy there is suffering in the worldWhy people dieWhat happens after death
To explain natural phenomena
Functions of Myths
To explain the nature of gods and goddesses
To explain the meaning behind religious rituals, customs and beliefs.
To explain historical events.
What is a Folktale?A story that has been passed down from one generation to the next by word of mouth including animal stories, trickster stories, fairy tales, fables, legends and tall tales.
Folktales Folktales, unlike myths, are secular Folktales were created for entertainment
value and the teaching of social or moral values.
Folktales feature magic, transformations and enchantments.
Folktale heroes tend to be common people without special powers.
Folktales are not associated with religious rituals.
What is an archetype?
An archetype is a symbol, character, image, plot pattern or story pattern that is found in the literature of many cultures.
Image/SymbolArchetypes
•Objects or places that have a universal symbolism…
•Rose – symbolizes love•Light vs. darkness
•Light – hope, renewal•Darkness – the unknown, despair
Plot Pattern Archetypes•Stories that occur in many cultures
•Making the long journey home•Completing the “impossible” task•Outwitting the enemy
Theme Archetype•Ideas that occur whenever people tell stories
•Good can overcome evil•People can redeem themselves•An underworld exists
Famous Movie Archetypes