Page 64 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

from an oral tradition and usually The Pied Piper
have several interpretations across
cultures. Folklore contains the beliefs
and customs of a region or country.

Fairy Tale Fairy tales are a type of folktale. A Little Red Riding Hood
fairy tale may use elements of Sleeping Beauty
royalty, magic, enchantment, and the
supernatural.

Myth Myths are regarded as true stories Cupid and Psyche
within a culture and often use the Pandora’s Box
supernatural (gods, goddesses) to
interpret natural events.

Legend Stories based on a real-life hero and Robin Hood
his or her mighty deeds. Usually, Paul Bunyan
humans, not gods, are the main
characters in legends.

Before we move on to the elements that move a story beyond literal meaning, let’s take a look at how the
information we’ve covered might be presented in a test question.

Question

“Rumpelstiltskin” was written by the Brothers Grimm and is an excellent example of a:

A myth.

B fable.

C legend.

D fairy tale.

Answer

The correct answer is D. Though “Rumpelstiltskin” has many of the attributes we associate with folklore,
fairy tales are written tales, often original or retold stories with a fixed text and a single named author (in
this case, the Brothers Grimm). Like fairy tales, folktales are nonspecific in terms of setting and often
begin with the familiar “Once upon a time.” Both types of stories frequently have a plot in which good
overcomes evil. Characters perform a task, using their own ingenuity and perseverance, often aided by
magic and trickery.

Question

Which is an example of the falling action in “Rumpelstiltskin?”