Traditional literature refers to stories that were originally passed down orally from generation to generation before being written down. They have no identifiable author and explore universal themes. Common features include simple plots, fast pacing, two-dimensional characters, vague settings, and stock beginning and ending motifs. Traditional literature includes folktales, fables, myths, legends, epics, and religious stories.

1. Traditional Literature Jennifer Mateo

2. What’s Traditional Literature? It is also know as traditional fantasy, and it is constituted by the body of ancient stories and poems that are from the oral tradition of storytelling before being written down; they : Are from different parts of the world. Have no identifiable author. Come from Oral origins. Were handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. Story tellers tell what they have received from previous tellers of tales. Some traditional stories have been told as truths, or with elements of truth. Today they are mostly considered as fantasy.

3. Traditional Literature’s Origins (Theories): Historical Overview A . Single origin (monogenesis)— all tales from a single ancestral group. Many origins (polygenesis)— plots developed in different parts of the world, with situations common to all humanity Bases for Tales (Sociological Explanations) Wish fulfillment dreams, or nightmares of storytellers. Remnants of nature myths, and remnants of other kinds of religious rituals and myths . * The Romantic Movement in Europe generated enthusiasm for exploring folklore to discover more about the roots of European languages and traditional culture. Traditional stories have been retold or adapted by many contemporary writers .

4. Traditional Literature common features: Plot: Simple 2. Direct 3. Rapid development Action: 1. Concentrated 2. Fast paced III. Characters: 1. Two-dimensional: Good or bad IV. Setting: 1. Distant past 2. Vague, not well described S tyle: 1. Stock beginning & ending motifs 2. Repeated patterns (refrains, & other elements) 3. E nriched language, often rhymes VI. Theme : 1. Limited ( universal truth) 2. reflect values of time & societies in which originated … NEXT PAGE PLEASE CLICK

5. Types of Traditional Literature Classification of Traditional Literature can be confusing. These are the terms that we should be use when reffering to Traditional iterature: TRADITIONAL LITERATURE RETOLD TALE VARIANT STOP!!!

6. Types of Traditional Literature Folktales—stories that grew out of the lives and imagination of folks. These are prose narratives regarded as fiction. They are not dogma or history, they may or may not have happened. Folktales subdivisions: CUMULATIVE—they repeat a same pattern on and on. HUMOROUS (Sillies) BEAST—the protagonists and characters are all animals (beasts) and they act as persons. MAGIC (FAIRY TALES) POURQUOI—explain the why of things REALISTIC

7. * Cumulative The Ginger Bread Man * humorous Lazy Jack * Magic Fairy Tales Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp * Realistic The Hero of Bremen * Beast The Little Red Hen

8. Types of Traditional Literature FABLES—briefs tales in which animal characters that talk and act like humans indicate a moral lesson or satirize human conduct. For example: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Eagle and the Wren, among others. MYTHS—stories that recount and explain the origins of the world and the phenomena of nature. They are suitable for an audience from age nine and up. Example: Greek, Roman, and Norse Mythologies

9. RELIGIOUS –may recount milestones in the development of a religion and its leaderships, or may present parables. They are also based on mythology. Example: Sacred Scriptures of any religion, Little Stone Buddha, Bib Momma Makes the World, and others. EPICS—long stories on human adventure and heroism recounted in many episodes, or in verse. These are grounded in mythology and their characters are both human and divine. Some examples are: Dragon Slayer: The Story of Beowulf, The Wanderings of Odysseus: The story of the Odyssey, Gilgamesh the Hero, and more.

10. LGENS AND TALL TALES—stories based on real or supposedly real individuals and their marvelous deeds, and historical facts of human wars and migrations. Tall tales have the same characteristics as legends but the characters personality is exaggerated, and thus are more valued for their humor. For instance: Saint George and the Dragon, Young Merlin, The Seventh Ssiter, Dncing Drum, among others.

11. I Know You Know… Folktales vary by culture and they give us information about ancient tradition from different parts of the world. Traditional Literature is an excellent tool to encourage numerous written and oral activities for children. Tales of Mother Goose published by Charles Perrault in France, is also part of Traditional Literature. Traditional Tales are among the most memorable in children’s experience in literature. The most important factor in choosing a story is that is really enjoyable.

12. References: Norton, D. E. (1999). Through the Eyes of a Child (5 th ed). Prentice Hall: Columbus, Ohio. Lynch-Brown, C., & Tomlinson, C. M. Essentials of Children’s Literature (6 th ed). United States: Pearson Education, Inc. Traditional Literature. http://www.cas.usf.edu/lis/ lis6585/ class/tradlit.html The Little Red Hen. http://www.bres.boothbay.k12.me.us/wq/nnash/WebQuest/little_red_hen.htm Lazy Jack. www.mikelockett.com/stories.php?action=view&id=41