Genres of Fantasy from the Oral Tradition

Genres of Fantasy from the Oral TraditionThe stories we tell reflect who we are.Why Oral Tradition?Before the printing press1476 for EnglandFew could read; none had TVPeople told stories for many purposesEntertainRetain HistoryTeach Lessons

Fantasy Genres from the Oral TraditionFable Folk TaleMythLegendEpicFable Short story intended for youth ages 3-8Main character is usually a talking animalStory ends by explaining the moral Example: Aesops FablesTortoise and the HareAnt and the GrasshopperFolk TaleShort story intended for youth ages 7-14Story told to teach a lesson or moral, but it is implied and not explainedMain character is human but encounters talking animalsProtagonist overcomes large obstacles to learn a lessonIncludes something magical to signal the reader that it is not realOften called fairy tales in England and the U.S.MythStory that presents supernatural episodes as a means of interpreting natural eventsIntended for both adults and youthOften the stories of a dead religionFocus on Gods, nature, and supernaturalFour common categoriesCreationFlood or explanation of natureEnd of the worldafterlifeLegendCollection of stories handed down over time by oral tradition centering around a single heroic figureSome historical truthHero accomplishes deeds of great valorFocuses more on hero than on Gods or explanation of natureExamplesArthur, Robin Hood, Zorro, Paul BunyonEpicLong narrative poem in elevated styleCharacter of high position in adventuresThe episodes are important to the history of the nation or raceThey come in two formsThere are 12 epic characteristicsTypes of epicsFolk EpicCreated by combining several stories or legends into a single piece after years or oral traditionAuthor is often unknownExamplesIlliad, Odyssey, BeowolfArt EpicStory invented and written by one person, not recorded by someone who had already heard the legendsMore sophisticatedExamplesAeneid, Divine ComedyEpic CharacteristicsHero of imposing stature, of nation or international importance, and of great historical or legendary significanceVast Setting, covering great nations, the world, or the universeThe action consists of deeds of great valor requiring superhuman strength or courageSupernatural forces (such as gods, angels, or demons) interest themselves in the actionEpic CharacteristicsStyle of sustained elevated poetry is usedRhyme scheme is sometimes internal or alliteration is used instead of rhymePoet retains a measure of objectivityOr pretends to while sharing cultural propagandaPoet begins by introducing the themeWith Greek epics this involves invoking a muse

Epic CharacteristicsStory begins in medias resNarration begins in the middle of the story, uses flashbacks to catch the reader up, and continues on with the plotline.Poet lists catalogues of warriors, ships, armies (and often names weaponsMain characters give extended formal speeches

Epic CharacteristicsPoet uses epic similesElaborated comparisons more ornate and involved (and longer) than a simple simileHero is often saved by the loyalty of a friend or servant

Modern-Day Near EpicsThese are NOT epics because they are not poems, but, they have many of the characteristicsThe Lord of the RingsHarry PotterStar WarsWheel of TimeDuneBook SearchLook through the contents page or our literature bookMake a list of examples of each of the fantasy genres of oral traditionFour of the five are clearly labeledOne piece of the Arthurian legend is in the book, but not listed as a legendIdentify the GenreThe Three Little PigsHerculesPandoras BoxLittle Red Riding HoodOdyssey