Folktales have been a rich part of cultural society from the early oral story spinners to the children's picture books published today. They are stories that were often used to teach young children, explain natural phenomena, serve as cautionary tales, and to entertain. Magic and wonder came to life as folktales were retold by storytellers, soldiers, travelers, or elders in the community. The authors of these fantastical stories are more often than not unknown. Writers such as Hans Christian Andersen and Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were some of the first to write and publish collections of folklore in the 1800s. 

 

Folktales can be organized in a variety of categories and generally feature a lot of overlap. Some of the more recognized categories include trickster tales, fairy tales or wonder tales, Pourquoi or why tales, realistic tales, beast tales, and humorous tales. This site will focus on cumulative tales, fairy tales, Pourquoi tales, and trickster tales. Let's explore some traditional literature and activities you can use to bring these time-honored folktales into your classroom or library program!

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