Types of Traditional Literature

Traditional literature can fall into a number of categories: proverbs, fairytales, folklore, fables, animal tales, myths and legends, etc. The following are explanations of four of the more common types.

Fairytales

Often romantic and always fictional, these stories usually occur 'long, long ago' in 'a far away land.' They are stories of enchanted creatures like witches, giants, and dragons, and fanciful settings like castles or forests. Common characteristics include reoccurring numbers, royalty and, of course, the happily-ever-after ending. For example, take 'Cinderella', the story that began in the late 17th century. Cinderella, a beautiful girl enslaved by her evil stepmother, longs for a better life. When her fairy godmother appears to grant her a wish, Cinderella meets the Prince, who saves her and marries her. The lesson is that kindness and love will triumph over selfishness and evil.

Fables

Also fictional, these stories are typically short in length and heavily allegorical or symbolic. They use morals to both entertain and educate the readers. Common characteristics include talking animals, few characters, and a lot of action, with the lesson of the story appearing at the end. For example, take the fable of 'The Tortoise and the Hare'. The Hare mocks the Tortoise for his slowness, so the Tortoise challenges him to a race. Though the Hare is stronger and faster, he lets pride and over-confidence get in his way. The Tortoise, who is slow yet steady, wins the race, concluding to the readers that perseverance is more worthy than speed or strength.

Legends

Unlike the other two, this type of traditional literature is based on real people and events, or those thought to have been real. The stories are exaggerated to depict heroism, or to give explanation to something not necessarily explainable. Common characteristics include events that have occurred in the recent past, secular themes, and a hero with an astonishing ability. For example, 'The Legend of Paul Bunyan', first referenced in 1904, describes the giant and hardworking lumberjack and his companion, a blue ox named Babe. Paul was thought to have saved the people with his superhuman strength, which was used to explain the creation of such things as lakes and animal migration.

Myths

Myths can be stories about people and non-living subjects, like elements of nature. Found all over the world, myths are typically set in the very distant past and used to explain natural phenomena or religious practices. Common characteristics include unknoewn authors, heroic or godly characters, and magical elements.