Folk Tale
Last Updated on March 17, 2020, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 81
Folk tale - a traditional legend or narrative originating among a people, usually part of an oral tradition
Download Guide to Literary Terms Study Guide
and subject to variation in transmission. Folk tales include legends, myths, fables, and the supernatural. Folk tales make up the folklore of a people.
The etymology of this word is the same as that of folklore.
Examples of folklore include the “Johnny Appleseed” and “Babe, the Blue Ox,” stories of the Old West American culture.
see: fable, folklore, legend, myth
Explore all literary terms.
Unlock This Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now.
- 30,000+ book summaries
- 20% study tools discount
- Ad-free content
- PDF downloads
- 300,000+ answers
- 5-star customer support
Already a member? Log in here.
