Story that gives reason for events. Some myths explain natural events such as rainbows or seasons and others explain how the world began. Myths about people and gods explain why people do things. They all provide lessons about good and bad behavior.

Legends

Combines a real event or real person’s unusual life story with the exaggeration and heroic actions.

Folktales

A folktale is a story that has been told for a long time by a group of people.

Fairy Tale Characteristics 

Make Believe

Happens Long Ago

Has Magic

Happily Ever After

Evil Person

 Fable Characteristics 

Talking Animals

Teaches a Lesson

Usually Short 

Two – Three Charactera

FAIRY TALES OF HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON

AMERICAN TALL TALES

AMERICAN FOLK TALES