Traditional Fantasy

Introduce:

In Lesson 4 we introduced the idea of a landscape of children's literature represented by different genres. In this lesson, we will take a look at one of those genres, Traditional Fantasy. 

Be sure to read Chapter7, pp. 66-76 in our text, in addition to working through this lesson.

Once, a long while ago, I taught a preschool class of 4 year olds. My favorite time of the day was story time. I believe I enjoyed it most because the act of storytelling freed me to try out different voices and characteristics. I could be both Beauty and the Beast. I also know that I was amazed that the kids were so enthralled with the sound of my voice and the rhythm of the story. I remember fifteen pairs of eyes glued to my face as I began---"Once upon a time....." It was a powerful feeling!

Can you think back to a time when someone TOLD you a story? Not read you a story but told the story to you, with all the energy and skill it takes to hold your attention? If you can remember that occasion you'll probably also remember that it was a powerful experience, one which amazed and delighted you.

(Here on the class pages you listen to a storyteller, Amy Atwell, tell the story, The Emperor's New Clothes.)

It is no accident that storytellers are revered and respected all over the world and that they share a tradition which goes back to our shared human roots. Storytellers, such as the griots of Africa and the Ohlone in our Bay Area, were the essential link to the history and ritual of a community. They had the power of tradition and imagination and the ability to share these mysteries in ways which moved and delighted their audiences. 

Learn

The Characteristics and Oral Roots of Traditional Fantasy:

The genre of traditional fantasy shows its ancient roots. Its characteristics result from the need of the storyteller to engage and enthrall her audience for an extended period of time. The original author of any folktale is unknown and these stories were spread by word of mouth from campfire to hearth.

Here are some of the unique qualities of traditional fantasy which reflect its oral roots:

Categories of Traditional Fantasy:

• folktales
• tall tales
• fables
• myths
• epics
• ballads
• legends
• religious stories.

You should be able to identify each category of tales and provide an example of each one.

Task 5A: Build A Folktale

This assignment gives you practice in identifying and working with a variety of motifs and folktale types. Your "play" with these story elements will enhance your understanding of the way folktales work.

The Values & Perils of Traditional Fantasy:

We should also note that the value and perils of traditional fantasy are continually debated. 

We can argue that traditional fantasy is a pervasive part of shared human condition which transcends political and cultural boundaries. We can argue that traditional fantasy develops our capacity to believe and to hope. We can argue that traditional fantasy encourages us to imagine opportunities and ways of living.

In contrast, others will argue that such imaginings encourage children to be out of touch with reality, that the violence in such imaginings is dangerous to young minds, that traditional fantasies frighten young children, and finally, that traditional fantasy is a waste of time. 

Our text argues eloquently for the essential role of traditional fantasy in the lives of our children.  What do  you think?

About Folktales:

Our attention in this lesson will focus on folktales because their simple eloquence and their pervasiveness provide many fascinating insights into our shared cultural traditions. Be sure to read all of Chapter 7 in our text for more information about folktales.

Folktale Archetypes:

• cumulative tales:
  These are stories where the plot elements are added to. These tales have a repetitive pattern in which the story "accumulates," similar event by similar event. Our favorite, The Napping House, is an example of the cumulative tale although it is NOT a folktale because it has an author.

• beast tales:
  This type involves animals with human traits as the central characters. The story of the three little pigs is such a tale as is the tale of Bremen Town Musicians.

• pourquoi tales:
  These tales explain "why" something happens. These tales originated as early humans tried to explain natural phenomena such as thunder or earthquakes. The wonderfully illustrated tale Arrow to the Sun is the Hopi pourquoi tale about the cultivation of corn.

• noodlehead tales:
  The main character in this type of tale is dazed and confused. Isaac Bashevis Singer tells a wonderful tale of a noodlehead who journeys away from home to seek his fortune. Each night, in order to remember which direction he must travel, he places his shoes pointing in the direction he will go. His traveling companions trick him and turn his shoes pointing back toward his home town. So back he goes to his own city, thinking it is the new place where he'll seek his fortune. He earns his noodlehead label when he remarks that he is very surprised that such a new town would so resemble his own home town. He is even amazed when he sees a woman looking exactly like his mother! These stories are humorous and entertaining and always kind to the noodleheads they describe.

• trickster tales:
  
In contrast to the noodlehead tale, the trickster tale relates the story of some character, usually an animal, who is just too smart for his own good. These tales show how easily people can be fooled, but the trickster will often have his comeuppance at the end. Favorite trickster tales involve Anansi the Spider or Coyote.

• wonder/magic tales:
  The wonder/magic tales are often called fairy tales but not all will involve little beings with wings. These tales are the most fantastic of all, and readers must suspend disbelief to enjoy them. Not surprisingly, these tales are most beloved because they tap into our very human need to imagine the magical. Fairy godmothers, magic lamps, disappearing capes--these are often part of wonder/magic tales.

Folktale Motifs:

Folktales will often share common motifs--plot elements which appear so frequently that they are easily recognized. You'll be able to think of folktales you've read which have featured the motifs below. Read this list. Note that no one folktale will feature all of the motifs. Still enough motifs will appear in any one folktale to highlight its traditional roots. 

The motifs really need no other explanation, but if you have any questions be sure to email me. You might also add your own motifs if you've found one we've missed.

Common Motifs: A folktale might include one or more of the following:

• a younger brother/sister who is good
• conversely,the elder brother/sister who is mean or evil
• a clever trickster
• a wicked stepmother
• a poor or mistreated younger child
• the use of magical objects
• a marvelous transformation
• a long sleep or enchantment
• magical powers
• an incantation (Mirror Mirror on the wall.....)
• three wishes
• trickery
• the power of naming (think Rumplestiltskin)
• invisibility
• becoming stuck (think of the golden goose)
• the number 3 or 7
• a repetitive phrase
• a journey
• repetitive tasks
• wise/foolish beast
• time is past

These motifs reflect the traditional origins and ancient values of the world's folktales. These motifs cross cultures and boundaries and speak to the human condition and our human concerns. You'll be fascinated to read tales from Kenya and Japan and to recognize their shared motifs of the mistreated younger child or the use of a magical object.

Folktales Reflect the Cultural Values & Rituals of their Country of Origin:

Folktales are fascinating not only because of their shared motifs, but also because they so accurately reflect the cultural values and rituals of their specific country of origin (COO). These cultural indicators are many, but some that you should recognize are listed below:

• the language reflects the oral tradition of the COO 
• the flora and fauna described within the tale are indigenous to the COO 
• the characters use dialect or speech patterns or interjections common to the COO 
• clothing and everyday objects will reflect the culture 
• rites of passage or rituals mark important human milestones common to the COO 
• the style or rhythm of the story will reflect the culture

You might read the Japanese folktale The Stonecutter and recognize the spiritual teachings which sustain the story are much a part of Asian culture. Or you might read Arrow to the Sun and note the reverence for water that the Hopi living in dry country must have developed. 

It is the strength and beauty of folktales that they spring organically from the hearts and minds of the people who tell them. A folktale will be an intimate and mundane insight into the culture of the country of its origin. You readers will not only enjoy the folktales you read, but also will learn a little more about the culture they describes.