Folktale: meaning, definitions and examples
📖
folktale
[ ˈfoʊkˌteɪl ]
literature story
A folktale is a traditional narrative or story that is passed down through generations, typically by word of mouth. These tales often convey moral lessons, cultural values, or communal beliefs. They are rooted deeply in a culture and often reflect the customs, fears, and hopes of the people. Folktales encompass various genres, including fairy tales, fables, and legends, all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of a community's storytelling tradition.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The Brothers Grimm collected many German folktales.
- Folktales often include talking animals and magical events.
- She told her children a folktale about bravery and kindness.
- The folktale was passed down from grandmother to mother.
Translations
Translations of the word "folktale" in other languages:
🇵🇹 conto folclórico
🇮🇳 लोककथा
🇩🇪 Volksmärchen
🇮🇩 cerita rakyat
🇺🇦 народна казка
🇵🇱 bajka ludowa
🇯🇵 民話
🇫🇷 conte folklorique
🇪🇸 cuento popular
🇹🇷 halk hikayesi
🇰🇷 민화
🇸🇦 حكاية شعبية
🇨🇿 folklórní příběh
🇸🇰 rozprávka
🇨🇳 民间故事
🇸🇮 ljudska pravljica
🇮🇸 þjóðsaga
🇰🇿 халық ертегісі
🇬🇪 народური ზღაპარი
🇦🇿 xalq nağılı
🇲🇽 cuento folclórico
Etymology
The term 'folktale' is derived from the compound word 'folk' and 'tale'. 'Folk' refers to the people, typically in a community or culture, who pass down stories through generations. 'Tale' refers to a narrative or story itself. The concept of folktales has existed in various cultures around the globe, dating back centuries. These narratives were a way of preserving history, morals, and cultural identity before the advent of written language. Folktales often evolved over time, adapting to the societal changes and the influences of different storytellers. The use of oral tradition in sharing folktales is significant, with many stories reflecting the collective sentiments, experiences, and values of the people. In medieval Europe, folktales gained prominence with literary collections like those of the Brothers Grimm, which helped standardize many popular narratives, making them accessible to a wider audience. This evolution demonstrates the enduring power of storytelling as a means of education and entertainment throughout human history.