Meaning, Types, Features, and Themes of Folktales

WHAT IS A FOLKTALE? 

A folktale is a traditional story that has been told and passed down orally from one generation to another among people of a community or CULTURE. It is used to teach moral lessons, entertain, and preserve the culture and beliefs of the people.

 

In simple words:
A folktale is a story that comes from the people, told by word of mouth, and often teaches a lesson.

Example:

1. The Tortoise and the Hare

2. The Lion and the Mouse

3. Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky

 

TYPES OF FOLKTALES 

Folktales come in different forms depending on their purpose, characters, and lessons. Here are the main types – 

1. Animal Tales

These are folktales in which animals act and talk like humans.
They often teach moral lessons or explain human behavior.

Example: The Tortoise and the Hare — teaches that slow and steady wins the race.

Sentence Example: In many African animal tales, the tortoise is portrayed as wise but tricky.

 

2. Trickster Tales

These tell the story of a clever character who uses trickery or intelligence to outsmart others.
Sometimes the trickster succeeds; other times, he fails.

Example: The Tortoise and the Birds — the tortoise tricks the birds to get food in the sky.

Sentence Example: Trickster tales teach that wisdom can be more powerful than strength.

 

3. Fairy Tales

These tales involve magic, fairies, witches, giants, or supernatural beings.
They usually have good characters, evil characters, and a happy ending.

Examples:

A. Cinderella

B. Sleeping Beauty

 

Sentence Example:
Fairy tales often begin with “Once upon a time” and end with “happily ever after.”

 

4. Legend

A legend is a folktale that tells about real people or events, but with exaggerated or supernatural elements.

Examples:

A. The Legend of Queen Moremi Ajasoro (Yoruba Legend)

B. Robin Hood

Sentence Example: Legends are often based on heroes who perform great deeds.

 

5. Myth

A myth is a story that explains natural phenomena, creation, gods, and the origin of things. It reflects the religious beliefs of a people.

Examples:

A. How the Moon Came to the Sky

B. The Story of Creation (Genesis)

Sentence Example: Myths explain how the world and its creatures came to exist.

 

6. Fables

A fable is a short folktale that uses animals with human qualities to teach a moral lesson.

Examples:

A. The Lion and the Mouse

B. The Fox and the Grapes

Sentence Example: Every fable ends with a moral lesson, like “Pride goes before a fall.”

 

7. Tall Tales

These are funny and exaggerated stories about larger-than-life characters.
They are not meant to be believed literally.

Example: The Story of Ananse the Spider (Ghanaian folktale)

Sentence Example: Tall tales use exaggeration to entertain and amaze the audience.

 

FEATURES OF FOLKTALES 

Here are the main characteristics of folktales

Feature	Description	Example / Note
1. Oral Tradition	Folktales are passed down by word of mouth.	Told by elders or storytellers.
2. Simple Language	Easy to understand and remember.	Suitable for both children and adults.
3. Moral Lesson	Each story teaches a lesson or value.	e.g., honesty, hard work, kindness.
4. Imaginary Characters	Often includes animals, spirits, gods, or talking objects.	e.g., talking tortoise.
5. Repetition	Certain phrases or actions are repeated to create rhythm or memory.	“Once upon a time…”
6. Cultural Values	Reflects the beliefs and traditions of the people.	e.g., respect for elders.
7. Entertainment	Told to amuse or entertain listeners.	Often performed during festivals.
8. Universal Themes	Focus on human experiences like love, greed, wisdom, or bravery.	Common to all cultures.

 

THEMES OF FOLKTALES 

A theme is the main idea or message of a story. Here are common themes found in folktales

Theme	Meaning	Example
1. Honesty	Telling the truth brings reward.	The honest woodcutter rewarded by the gods.
2. Greed	Greedy people are punished.	The tortoise who wanted to eat all the food.
3. Wisdom / Cleverness	Cleverness can overcome strength.	The tortoise outwits the elephant.
4. Good vs. Evil	Good always wins over evil.	The kind child saved by spirits.
5. Hard Work	Hard workers succeed.	The farmer who worked and prospered.
6. Obedience / Respect	Obedience brings blessing.	A child who obeys parents is rewarded.
7. Justice / Retribution	Evil deeds are punished.	The wicked king loses his throne.
8. Unity and Cooperation	People achieve more when united.	Animals working together to defeat a hunter.

 

SUMMARY 

1. Folktales are traditional stories passed down orally from one generation to another.

2. They are meant to teach lessons, preserve culture, and entertain.

3. The types include animal tales, trickster tales, fables, myths, legends, fairy tales, and tall tales.

4. Common features include oral tradition, moral lessons, simple language, repetition, and cultural values.

5. Themes often revolve around honesty, greed, wisdom, hard work, and justice.