folklore and fairy tales
Of the three main oral prose genres of folklore, fairy tale, myth, and legend, the fairy tale has received the most critical attention in folklore scholarship. Although early collectors of folk narrative did not draw fine distinctions, scholars have subsequently found it useful to define the fairy tale in relation to these other prose genres. Myths are narratives which are believed to be true about gods or supernatural beings who operate beyond the realm of human existence, and from whose experiences humans can draw moral lessons. Legends generally report on extraordinary events in the lives of ordinary humans, frequently in an encounter with the supernatural. Although there is an inherent truth claim in the legend, there is often an element of scepticism or disbelief on the part of the narrator or audience. In contrast to legend and myth, fairy tales are narratives of magic and fantasy, which are understood to be fictional.... ...
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