Folklore and Folktales

UNIT III

Lesson 1

The term "folklore" was invented by an English scholar by the name of William John Thomas in
1846. He used the word to denote the traditions, customs and superstitions of the uncultured
people in a civilized country. Folklore is a science that embraces observances and customs,
notions, beliefs, traditions, superstitions and prejudices of the common people.

Importance of Folklore

1. Folklore is important in explaining social history of man- kind.

2. Folklore is helpful in the study of comparative mythology and science of religion.

3. Folklore helps in the under- standing of the relationship between races and on the development
of religion, beliefs and ceremonies.

4. Folklore is of great assistance to the ethnologists, sociologists, historians and students of

comparative mythology and science of religion.

Kinds of Folklore

1. Traditional literature in narrative form

a. folk tales

b. hero tales

c. ballads and song

d. legends of places

2. Traditional customs

a. local customs

b. astrology

c. festival customs

d. games

3. Superstitions and beliefs

a. witchcraft

b. astrology
c. superstitious practices

d. superstitious beliefs and fancies

4. Folk speech

a. popular sayings

b. popular nomenclature

c. proverbs

d. jingles, rhymes, riddles

The earliest forms of literature were called folk literature. They are traditional narratives that
originated directly from the people. Folk literature has no fixed author and no fixed original form.
Some of the earliest traditional literature were narrative in form.

There are certain qualities common to all folk literature. They are

1. Concerned more with action rather than reflection;

2. Concerned with physical heroism;

3. Concerned with mysterious and powerful influences - gods, giants, heroes, fairies, animals and
other super- natural beings.

Stories for Children

FOLKTALES

The term folktale refers to a traditional narrative of unknown authorship that has been handed
down from generation to generation regardless of its content. These old stories are often called
fairy tales because many of them deal with fairies or magic or any super- natural element. Some of
the contents or characters were animals, mysterious and powerful influences like gods, giants,
heroes who overcome incredible obstacles and win awards and other supernatural beings. There
are hundreds of such stories known in every country and most of these stories were known long
before books were made.

Origin of Folk Tales

There are two theories concerning the origin and transmission of folk tales:

1. That all folk tales originated in India in the Sacred Books of Buddhism and were transmitted by
migrations of peoples, by crusaders and Hebrew gypsies.

2. That many of the tales arose independently among people widely separated geographically and
historically.
Studies have shown the similarity in the plots of the stories that were handed down from
generation to generation in different countries. This proves that human experience; human nature
human emotions are universal.

History of Folk Tales

The history of folktales begins at the point at which a storyteller, folklorist or anthropologist set it
down in writing. It has been the convention to credit the origin of a folk story to the country in
which it was published. Most often a story which has been thought of as having originated in the
country in which it was first published had been known in other countries for a long time.

In 1697, a collection of tales Comtes de Ma Mere L'Oye or Tales of My Mother Goose appeared
bear- ing the name of a Frenchman, Charles Perrault. However, Per- rault claimed that the stories
were written by his little son who learned from his peasant nurse. The frontispiece of the book
showed three children listening to a story told by an old woman named Mother Goose while she
was spinning. The name Mother Goose was later associated more with nursery rhymes than with
tales. A translation of Perrault's tales was published in England in 1719. The eight tales became
very popular to English- speaking children. The stories were:

"Little Red Riding Hood" "Sleeping Beauty" "Cinderella"

"Blue Bird"

"Hop O My Thumb"

"Puss in Boots"

"Riquet and the Tuft"

"Toads and Diamonds"

The first real collection of old tales was made by two German brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.
They gathered the tales they heard from the old folks throughout their travels in Germany and
published them later, between 1812 to 1815. Their purpose was to preserve the folk literature
that they heard orally. The first English translation of the Grimm's Hausmarchen was made by
Edgar Taylor. It was called Grimm's Fairy Tales. It became so popular that other scholars began
collecting tales too.

Peter Absjornsen and Jorgen Moe gathered tales throughout their travel in Norway by talking to
old people just as the Grimm Brothers have done. Abjornsen and Moe published their first
collection of Norwegian tales in 1842-1843. Their collection was translated into English by George
Webber Dasent and issued under the title Popular Tales from the Norse in 1859. A systematic
collection of folktales appeared in England in 1849.

James Orchard Halliwell called his work Nursery Rhymes and Nursery Tales.
One of the best known nursery tales was the "The Three Bears" by Robert Southey, 1774- 1843,
the poet laureate of England and the author of many books, both poetry and prose.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, a large body of folk materials became available in English.
Dr. E. W. Lane translated the Arabian Nights, a collection of Arabian tales. The most popular of
these tales were "Aladdin" and "Sinbad".

Versions of Folktales

There are different versions of the same story and they may vary greatly in their attractiveness.
Making one's version of a story is to tell children of finding retold version that one considers
acceptable for reading aloud or for telling and is not violating the tradition of the folktale.
Throughout the ages, the tribal storyteller, the minstrel and the others were the agents through
whom the stories were handed down from generation to generation orally. Each teller of the tale
added something from his own imagination specially designed to appeal to his particular audience.

Primary Characteristics of Folktales

1. Has no known individual author

2. Has no fixed or original form

3. Has a brief introduction

4. Adapted to any age

5. Has simple plot that is easy

6. Characters appeal to both children and adults

7. Has element of magic that appeals to children.

Values of Folktales

1. Gives pleasure and enjoyment to children

2. Stirs the imagination

3.Gives insight into life

4. Used for dramatization

5. Used for illustration

6. Develops ear training

7. Plays a role in the emotional development of children

8. Develops confidence and courage in children against fear of the unknown

Types of Folktales

of stories are: "Puss in Boots", "The Three Little Pigs", "The Three Billy Goats Gruff", "The Tale of
Peter Rabbit".

1. Accumulative or repetitional tale is the simplest type of tale. It has a simple plot and rhythmical
pattern. Its episodes follow each other neatly and logically in a pattern of cadenced repetition.
Examples of this type are: American - "Gingerbread Boy", English - "Johnny Cake", Norse "Pan-
cake", Russian - "The Bun".

3. Drolls or Humorous Stories are stories about sillies and numb- skulls. They are meant for fun
and nonsense. Example of these stories das". are: "Lazy Jack" and "Epaminon-

4. Myths

A myth is a story that explains primitive man's idea of the origin of the universe, the myster- ies of
natural phenomena, the life of gods, goddesses, and other pagan divinities, their contacts with
each other and their relation to man. It is especially associated with religious rites and beliefs.
There are three types of these stories -- the Greek, Roman and Norse myths. Examples of myths --
"King Midas", "Jason and the Golden Fleece", "Baucis and Philemon".

2. Talking Beast stories are stories in which the animals talk. The animals not only talk with other
animals but with human beings. Often the animals are exaggerated characterizations of human
beings. The animal tales generally teach a lesson of courage, ingenuity and self-reliance. Re- wards
are stressed in the outcome of the tales, but they are never moralistic. Examples of this type

5. Epics and Hero Tales

An epic is a story that is sometimes written in verse, sometimes in prose, and others are in ballads.
The story may be the exploits of a hero, and his heroic acts embody the moral code of a country or
of a nation. Examples of epics are: El Cid of Spain, Odysseus of the Greeks, Lam-ang of the
Philippines.

6. Legends

A legend is an old story containing wonders and miracles that was handed down without any
foundation in history but popularly believed to be true. Every country has its own legend which
was patterned in their own custom and tradition. It could be a story that tells the origin of a place,
thing or person. Examples of legends are: "The Legend of Manila", "The Legend of the Pineapple",
"The Legend of Lanzones".

7. Fables

A fable is a fictitious story about an animal or an inanimate object which behaves like a human
being and has one dominant trait. It is meant to teach a lesson or moral. The most popular fables
are those of Aesop, the Jatakas or Indian fables, the fables of Jean de la Fontagne. Examples of
fables are: "The Fox and the Grapes", "The Crow and the Pitcher", "The Monkey and the Turtle".
8. Fairy Tales (Old)

The term fairy tales include a wide variety of folktales. A large proportion of these stories are
based on the element of magic or the supernatural. Something extraordinary happens in the story.
The setting of a fairy tale is a visionary or unreal world. The set- ting is usually idealized or roman-
tic setting. The characters are fairies, water pixies, dwarfs, giants, speaking animals, and beautiful
creatures. Examples are: "Cinder- ella", "The Three Bears", "Briar Rose" and many others.

9. Religious Tales

Folktales using religious elements or beliefs are rarely found in children's collection. The religious
folktales are either comical or didactic. They were patterned after the morality plays of the Middle
Ages. The devil and St. Peter usually appeared in comic roles. They are not well adopted to
children.

10. Romance Tales

Romance in the folktales is remote and impersonal. The characters are stereotypes. Enchantments
and impossible tasks separate folktale lovers and magic brings them together as in "Beauty and
the Beast", "The Goose Girl and the King", "East of the Sun and West of the Moon". These types of
stories are for older children and not for the younger ones.

11. Realistic Stories are those stories that are improbable but possible. Examples of this type of
stories are "Mr. Vinegar" and "Blue Bird".

Folktales by Country or Nationality

A. American

"The Dun Horse" "Gingerbread Boy"

B. Arabian

"Aladdin and the Wonder ful Lamp"

C. East Indian

"The Tiger, The Brahman and the Jackal"

D. English

"Jack and the Beanstalk" "Lazy Jack"

"Mr. Vinegar"

"The Old Woman and Her Pig"

"The Three Bears"

"The Three Little Pigs"

E. French

"Cinderella"

"Little Red Riding Hood" "Puss in Boots"

"Sleeping Beauty"

"Toads and Diamonds"

F. German

"Briar Rose"

"Elves and the Shoemaker" "Hansel and Gretel"

"Snow White and the Seven

Dwarfs"

"The Traveling Musicians"

G. Greek

"Fables of Aesop"

H. Norse

"Boots and His Brothers"

"The Princess on the Glass Hill"

"The Three Billy Goats Gruff"

"Why The Bear is Stumpy Tailed"

"The Wonderful Knap Sack"

I. Russian

"The Straw Ox"

Desirable Uses of Folktales

1. For entertainment

Old folktales should be read for fun. They are also good for storytelling purposes.

2. For illustration
Folktale characters are subjects for drawing, sketching, modelling, painting, etc.

3. For dramatization

Even in the nursery schools, children can play "The Three Little Pigs", "Three Billy Goats Gruff' and
other tales.

4. For puppets

The characters in folktales are suitable for hand puppets, sock puppets, stick puppets.

5. For storytelling

Storytelling is one activity that is best suited for young children and the folktales are excellent
types of stories for telling.

Lesson 2

Myths

Mythology is a body of myths describing the gods of the people, demigods and legendary human
beings in stories which involve supernatural elements. It is the science that treats of myths.

The term myth has usually a more specialized meaning and refers to stories in which gods,
goddesses, and other pagan divinities play a part. It is a story that explains primitive man's idea of
the origin of the universe, the mysteries of natural phenomena.

The purpose of the myth is to explain matters in the science of a prescientific age. A myth remains
a myth as long as the divinity of its actors is recognized. It is associated with religious rites and
beliefs.

Evolution of Myths

The evolution of myth and religion differ from people to people. ancient Greek writer, Euhemerus
(300 B.C.) believed that the ancient gods were patterned after heroes who actually lived at one
time.

A second theory was made by philologists or people who study the growth of language. This study
claims that man repeating things their ancestors said, under- stood them in a different sense and
because of that, misunderstanding created myths.

The third theory was made by anthropologists or people who study the history of the human race.
They tried to explain the cause of natural phenomenon.

The fourth theory according to French sociologist, Emile Durheim, explained that myths came from
society as a whole. He believed that people got so excited during their tribal festivities that they
thought that a great power came to them from an object in their camp. This object became a
sacred emblem to the tribe.

Sources of Mythology

Greek and Roman Mythology

The Romans had no system of mythology of their own. They adopted the mythology of the Greeks,
but changed the name of the gods. The Romans and Greeks had not only the same gods, but the
same demigods.

Greeks

Zeus

Hera

Romans

-Ruler of the - Jupiter heavens or Jove and earth

- Queen of - June the heavens

Poseidon - God of the - Neptune

sea

Aphrodite -Goddess of - Venus love and

Athena

Apollo

beauty

- Goddess of -Minerva wisdom

- God of the - Apollo

sun

Artemis - Goddess of - Diana

Ares

moon and of the chase

God of - Mars
war

Hermes - Messenger - Mercury of Zeus and

Heracles

of Gods

(demigod) - Strong man -Hercules

In both mythologies, the abode of the gods and goddesses was on Mount Olympus. The Roman

names are more familiar than the Greek; the Greek names have more beautiful sounds. The myths
have come down to us in Latin writings than in Greek.

Norse Myths

The Norse myths came from the Scandinavian countries. They are more serious in tone and plot
than the Greek myths. In the Norse stories, the ruler of the heavens and earth is Odin. Freya
corresponds to Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, Thor to Mars. The home of the gods was the
great Hall of Valhalla in Odin's Palace. Odin's maiden messengers, the Valkyries, brought the souls
of heroes slain in battle to live forever in honor and glory in the Hall of Valhalla.

German Myths

The names of ditties in German myths differ only slightly from those of the Norse. Odin be-comes
Wotan, Sigurd and Brynhild become Siegfried and Brunhilde as in the Wagnerian operas.

Types of Myth Stories

The simplest of myth stories are the "why" stories or Pourquoi tales. Examples of this type of
stories are: "Why the Sunflower Turns to the Sun," "Why the Woodpecker Has a Red Head," "Why
Arachne Was Changed into a Spider.

The second type of myth story is the allegory or symbolic story. An acceptable story for children is

the story of "King Midas" who wanted everything that he touched would turn into gold. He
became so wealthy that even his only daughter turned into gold.

A type of myth story deals with the ways of the gods with other gods and with men. This is a com-
plex type of story and is not suit- able for young children.

Another type of myth story is about nature and other phenomena that is often baffling.

Values of Myths

1. There is a dramatic quality about myths that captures the imagination of the poets and children.
2. Many English poems are filled with classical allusions from myths.

3. Subjects of sculpture and graphic arts are taken from the Greek and Roman myths.

4. They furnish background for the great national epics of all countries.

5. They serve to explain the origin and meaning of many words in everyday use.

6. They serve as an aid in the understanding of art and literature.

7. They widen our knowledge about the physical world, the history and civilization of the times in
which the stories originated and about human nature.

8. Myths give answers to questions often asked by children concerning the how, when, why of the
ways of animals, birds, insects, trees, flowers, and other forces of nature.

Lesson 3

Legends

Definition

A legend is a narrative that is partly true and partly imaginary about a particular person, event,
place or natural feature. It is a form of story containing miracles and wonders handed down from
generation to generation though they are not authenticated by accepted proof. A legend is closely
allied to history although it is not verifiable.

Legends will continue to develop because man with his busy printing presses can't write down or
preserve all the history of every person, place or thing in the minds of future generations.

Origin of Legends:

Legend came from the Latin word "Legenda" which means "for things to read." The term was used
to designate the life story of saint and was also applied to portions of scriptures and selections
from lives of saints to be read at divine service. From the origin, the term legend came to be
applied to any story with or without historical background but thought to be true.

Difference Between Myths and Legends

1. The myth is an interpretation of nature while a legend is the idealization of history.

2. Myths are stories in which god, goddesses and other divinities play a part while legends are
stories of wonder or miracles not only of gods and goddesses but about animals and other things.
3. The legend lies within one or two localities and has one or two characters whose names and
sometimes their motives change with the locality. Myths are found every- where in one form or
another.

4. The legend is usually built into one episode on a single act of the hero.
Difference between Legends and Folktales

Legendary Heroes According to Nationality:

1. English Legends

a. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel b. Robin Hood Tales

c. How Saint George Slew the Dragon

d. King Arthur and His Sword

2. French Legends

a. Roland and His Horn

3. Scandinavian Legends

a. Sigurd's Youth

4. Persian Legend

a. Zal

5. Spanish Legend

a. The Legend of Cid Rodrigo Diaz de Benar

6. North American Legend

a. The Legend of Paul Bunyan

Filipino Legends According to Subject:

A. Legendary heroes

a. The Legend of Lam-Ang

b. The Legend of Bernardo Carpio

B. Legends about Places

a. Legend of Gapan, Manila, etc b. Legend about every

town and province

C. Legend about Nature

a. Legend of Mt. Makiling, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Kanlaon, Mt. Pinatubo, Mt. Sinukuan, Mt. Paypay, Mt.
Ilong-Ilong, Legend of the Pasig River,

etc.
b. Legend about the origins of the Universe, Legend about the Sun, Moon and the Stars

D. Legend about Plants

a. Legend of the Banana b. Legend of the Pineapple c. Legend of the Lanzones d. Legend of the
Macopa, etc.

E. Legend about Flowers a. Legend of the Sampaguita b. Legend of the Ilang-Ilang F. Legend about
Animals

a. Legend of the Smallest Fish in the Philippines

b. Legend of the First Mon- key

c. Legend of the Firefly

Values of Legends in Children's Literature

1. Legend as a source of children's literature deals with religious facts. Religious facts help children
in strengthening their faith in God.

2. Legend deals with historical backgrounds. They awaken the national consciousness of children.

3. They develop vivid and fantastic imagination.

4. Some legends give children a moral lesson. They serve as a guide on what is right and what is
wrong.

5. Legends help acquaint children with the cultural phase of the country.

6. They give pleasure and enjoyment to children.

Examples of Filipino Legends:

DAMA DE NOCHE (Lady of the Night)

The "Dama de Noche" is one of the exotic flowers of the Philippines that bloom abundantly at
night and fills the air with a sweet-smelling fragrance.

The legend tells of a princess who lived in one of the islands of Tawi-Tawi, near Sulu. She fell in
love with their gardener. When her father, the powerful Sultan, learned about their love affair, he
drove the gardener away. The princess was heartbroken. She prayed that the gardener would
come back. She would not stop waiting for him. One day, she requested God that she be
transformed into a plant whose flowers would wake up in the night and keep vigil till her lover
came back.

The plant grew into a bush with white tiny blossoms that emit a very fragrant smell only at night.
This plant was called "Dama de Noche" because the flowers bloom only at night.

THE FIREFLY, BAT, MOSQUITO, TURTLE, AND LIZARD

Long, long ago all the animals of the earth lived and roamed very freely the Firefly, Bat, Mosquito,
Turtle and Lizard. Then came a time when some of them began to get killed one by one by the
people. Bathala decided to call all the animals to a meeting. Six of them failed to attend the
meeting. Bathala summoned them to his palace. After hearing their problem, he gave each one a
punishment. The firefly who could not see in the dark was given a lantern to be attached to his
body so he could light its way. The bat who had no wings was given wings that he could only use
only at night. The mosquito who was afraid of people and other anmals was given a pointed
needle for protection. The turtle whose house had been stolen, was given a house to be attached
to its back so he could carry it around wherever he went. The bayawak or giant lizard who was
always telling lies was given two tongues. That is why these animals have their present
characteristics.

THE LEGEND OF MANILA

Long, long ago there was a place called Mai. Mai was near a river. It had plenty of trees. The
people got fruits from the trees. They didn't have to buy fruits to eat.

The people of Mai were very good. People from far and nearby places didn't like the people of
Mai. They wanted the people of Mai to