Organizing your Folklore

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In the areas below brainstorm ideas that relate to the elements of fiction for your myth, legend, folktale or fable.

Characters: Who will be the main character? Will there be another character fighting against your main character? What are some of the characteristics of these characters? Be very detailed in your description of the characters.

Setting: Where & when will this story take place? Be very vivid in your description of the place.

Plot: What is the main conflict or problem in your tale? What obstacles will your main character encounter while trying to solve the problem? What interesting happenings can you include? Remember you may use magical enchantments to enhance the interest.

Aspects of your culture: Remember to include gods, goddesses (for a myth), geographical features, historical events &/or customs when describing your tale.

Theme or Moral: If you write a fable or a folktale, be sure to include a moral or a life lesson.

Tips for writing………

• Offer an explanation for why something happens in nature like fire or rain or thunderstorms
• Include gods & goddesses and mortals in your explanation

• Explain how a particular animal, plant or object came to be
• Include fantasy elements like magic & enchanted beings
• A life lesson might be included as well

 

Fable
• Main characters are always animals
• Often has an obvious moral
• Usually shorter in length than a folktale

 

Legend
• A hero is involved in humorous exaggerated events
• Paul Bunyan & Pecos Bill are examples
• Superstitions are sometimes included

Tips for all Tales:

• Focus on the series of events in your tale
• Make the main character struggle to solve a problem
• Dialogue always improve the interest of your story
• Always include details reflecting your story’s culture