A preliminary and incomplete definition of folktales based upon G. S. Kirk’s Myth. Its Meaning and Functions in Ancient and Other Cultures. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1970 (pg. 37):
Traditional tales, of no firmly established form, in which supernatural elements are subsidiary; they are not primarily concerned with ‘serious’ subjects or the reflection of deep problems and preoccupations; and their first appeal lies in their narrative interest.
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MYTH specific characters, lack of ordinary logic unpredictable sequence of events due especially to supernatural elements
element of seriousness deals with timeless past |
FOLKTALE generic characters, logical progression of events use of ingenuity kind of wish-fulfilment fantasy reflect simple social situations element of entertainment historical time
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This material has been published on the web by Prof. Tom Sienkewicz for his students at Monmouth College. If you have any questions, you can contact him at toms@monm.edu.