folktale
1 of 1noun/ˈfoʊkˌteɪl/
Forms:folktales
1
a traditional story or legend passed down through generations, often involving supernatural elements and teaching moral lessons
A folktale is a traditional story passed down through generations, often orally, within a particular culture or community. These stories typically include elements such as legends, myths, and fairy tales, and they often reflect the values, beliefs, and customs of the culture from which they originate. Folktales usually feature familiar characters like heroes, villains, and magical creatures, and they aim to entertain, teach moral lessons, or explain natural phenomena through engaging narratives.
- The folktale of the tortoise and the hare teaches patience and persistence.
- Every culture has unique folktales that reflect its traditions.
- This folk tale explains why the moon has craters.
- A famous Japanese folktale tells the story of a bamboo cutter and a moon princess.
- The children listened intently as their grandmother shared an old folk tale.
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