What does folktale mean?
A folktale is a traditional story that has been passed down through generations, often featuring magical or supernatural elements. These stories typically convey a moral lesson or explain a natural phenomenon, and are often used to teach children important values and cultural norms. Folktales can be found in many different cultures, and have been retold and adapted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and theater. The study of folktales can provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical contexts in which they were created, and can also reveal common themes and motifs that are shared across different cultures.
nounA traditional story passed down through generations, often featuring supernatural or magical elements, and typically intended to convey a moral lesson or explain a natural phenomenon.
- A traditional story with magical or supernatural elements.
- A story that conveys a moral lesson or explains a natural phenomenon.
"The folktale of Cinderella has been retold and adapted in many different cultures."
"The folktale of Sleeping Beauty has been a beloved children's story for centuries."
"The folktale of the dragon and the phoenix is often used to symbolize good and evil."
The plural form 'folktales' is used to refer to multiple traditional stories.
"The collection of folktales from around the world is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of folktale
The word 'folktale' originated in the late 19th century, from the combination of 'folk' and 'tale'. It refers to a traditional story that has been passed down through generations, often through oral tradition. The term is closely related to other words such as 'legend', 'myth', and 'fable', which also describe traditional stories with magical or supernatural elements.
Usage notes
Folktale is often used in academic and literary contexts to describe traditional stories that have been passed down through oral tradition.