Key Elements
These are the main ideas, lessons, or messages that stories aim to teach.
Moral or Lessons
This is the audience fairy tales are targeted for.
Children
The two most common key elements in myths
Moral or lesson - Community/cultural
The two most common elements in legends
Community/cultural and Symbolism
Before stories were written down, they were passed along in this way
Oral Tradition
This element reflects the beliefs, values, and traditions of these groups of people
Community/Cultural context
These are the two main key elements that are often seen in fairy tales
Universal theme - Moral or Lesson
Many of the best-known myths, like those about Zeus and Athena, come from this ancient civilization.
Ancient Greece
Unlike myths, legends are usually based on this — though details may be changed or added over time
Real history - people or events
In this Russian tale, a witch travels in a hut that walks on chicken legs
Baba Yaga
An object, character, or event stands for something beyond its literal meaning.
Symbolism
This is the common plot in most fairy tales
Good vs Evil
Myths often explain these, such as why the sun rises, where humans came from, or why natural disasters happen
Natural phenomenon, creation or origin
Legends are often tied to this
Culture
He is the king of the Greek gods and ruler of Mount Olympus
Zeus
These are big ideas—like good vs. evil or transformation—that appear in stories from many different places and time periods
Universal themes
These are the brothers who wrote most of the original fairy tales that we see today.
Grimm
This is the most common setting in mythology
Ancient past
This is the legend we read about in class and completed a worksheet on
Count Dracula
This is the name of the legendary creature said to live in a large Scottish lake
Loch Ness Monster
Stories about a character choosing between right and wrong usually explore this theme
Universal theme - good vs evil
This is the end of the plot structure in most fairy tales
Resolution
These two epic poems by Homer tell stories about the Trojan War and its aftermath
The Iliad and the Odyssey
This is the most discussed legend in Washington
Big foot
What is the best folklore category
Mythology