1. FOLK LITERATURE
Stories passed down from generation to
generation
Most of the time, authors are unknown
Include: Myths, Tall Tales, Folk Tales, and
Epics

2. 1. Myth
 A fictional tale that explains the
actions of gods or the causes of
natural phenomena (like lightning, or
the seasons)
 No real historical truth
 Involved supernatural elements

3. Myth
 Purposes:
 Cultural history and reinforce values
 Explain “how” or “why” certain
things happened
 Entertainment

4. 2. Folk Tales
 Originally oral tradition
 Often contain: heroes, adventure,
magic, and romance
 Includes fairy tales and legends

5. Folk Tale
 Purpose:
 Explain the natural world
 Reinforce values; teach lessons
 Entertain

6. 3. Folk “Tall” Tales
 Humorous story in which
 character possess superhuman abilities
 Impossible happenings occur
 Told in common, everyday language
 Usually have some realistic detail

7. 4. Epic
 A long narrative poem about
the deeds of gods or heroes in
war or travel
 Written in ornate, poetic
language

8. EPIC
 Incorporates myth, legend, history,
and often intervention of the gods.
 The poet begins by announcing the
subject and asking a Muse (one of the
nine goddesses of the arts, lit, or
science), to help

9. Famous Epics
 The Odyssey
 The Iliad
 Beowulf
 Paradise Lost