A preliminary and incomplete definition of folktales based upon G. S. Kirk’s Myth. Its Meaning and Functions in Ancient and Other Cultures. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1970 (pg. 37):
Traditional tales, of no firmly established form, in which supernatural elements are subsidiary; they are not primarily concerned with ‘serious’ subjects or the reflection of deep problems and preoccupations; and their first appeal lies in their narrative interest.
MYTH specific characters, lack of ordinary logic unpredictable sequence of events due especially to supernatural elements
element of seriousness deals with timeless past |
FOLKTALE generic characters, logical progression of events use of ingenuity kind of wish-fulfilment fantasy reflect simple social situations element of entertainment historical time
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This material has been published on the web by Prof. Tom Sienkewicz for his students at Monmouth College. If you have any questions, you can contact him at toms@monm.edu.