Themes in the Oral Tradition

Language Arts 7

Characteristics
Oral tradition the sharing of stories, cultures, and ideas by word of mouth. The oldest form of storytelling, handed down from generation to generation

Found in all cultures from America to Zimbabwe!

Common types are myths, legends, folk tales, tall tales, fables, and epics.

Heroes & Heroines

Heroes/Heroines larger than life figures whose deeds are told in the oral tradition. A hero doesnt have to be a superhero, often they are ordinary people like you and me. Epic stories are dedicated to a heros journey

Types of Oral Traditions

MYTHS

LEGENDS

FOLK TALES

TALL TALES

FABLES

EPICS

Myths
Myths tales that explain actions of gods, goddesses, and heroes. Mythology the collection of myths from a culture. Some famous examples of myths: Noah & the Flood The stories of Hercules

Legends
Legends traditional stories about the past. Some legends have a basis in fact, but are exaggerated over retellings Ex: George Washington & The Cherry Tree

Folk Tales
Folk Tales tell stories about ordinary people. These stories reveal traditions and values of a culture. Examples: Fairy tales, the Brothers Grimm, Johnny Appleseed

Tall Tales
Tall Tales folk tales that use hyperbole for comic effect. Hyperbole exaggeration or overstatement for effect. Examples: Paul Bunyan, John Henry, etc.

Fables
Fables stories featuring animals that speak and act like humans. Often end with a moral lesson that is directly stated. Examples: Chicken Little, Fox and Crow, the Grasshopper and the Ant

Epics
Epic long narrative poems about a hero who engages in a quest, a dangerous journey, that is important to the history of a nation. Quest a dangerous journey with a goal, often used to prove a heros worth.

Any Questions?