In this chapter you will:

A Perspective on Traditional Literature

• Distinguish between the two literary approaches to mythology.
• Learn the psychological theories of folklore expressed by Freud and Jung.
• Read how folklorists who are interested in structure view folktales.
• Determine the value of folk literature from the viewpoint of children.

Folktales

• Read a definition of folktales.
• Distinguish the features of the following folktale types: cumulative tales, pourquoi stories, beast tales, wonder tales, and realistic stories.
• Identify the characteristics of these folktale elements: plot structure, characterization, style, theme, and motifs.
• Learn the purposes for using folktale variants.

Fables

• Determine sources throughout the world where fables have originated.
• Learn the characteristics of fables.

Myths

• Read a description of mythology.
• Learn the distinguishing features of these forms of myth: Creation, nature, and hero.
• Determine the ways these mythologies differ: Greek and Norse.

Epic and Legendary Heroes

• Differentiate epics from other folk literature.
• Read about these three epics: the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Ramayana
• Read about medieval heroes.

The Bible as Literature

• Read the views that support teaching the Bible as literature.