Oral Traditions

Oral Traditions are original stories written by one person and are passed down by written word.

• True

• False

Long poems about a larger-than-life hero who goes on a quest, or dangerous journey. Example: The Odyssey

• Epic

• Folk Tale

• Tall Tale

• Legend

Often focusing on a hero who does impossible feats. Can contain hyperbole or extreme exaggeration. Example: Paul Bunyan/Pecos Bill

• Tall Tale

• Fable

• Myth

• Epic

Short stories that have speaking animals that act as people do. Often ending with a moral or lesson. Example: The Fox Outwits the Crow

• Myth

• Legend

• Epic

• Fable

Traditional stories about the past based on real life events that have been twisted over time. Example: Johnny Appleseed/John Henry

• Fable

• Legend

• Myth

• Tall Tale

Stories that explain the actions of gods, goddesses, and heroes. Can explain natural phenomena. Example: Icarus and Daedalus

• Legend

• Fable

• Tall Tale

• Myth

Which of the following is an event or action that makes something else happen?

• a cause

• an effect

• a result

• a cause and effect relationship

Which of the following words or phrases signals a cause-and-effect relationship?

• simultaneously

• in contrast

• independently

• as a result

Which one of the titles below would most likely be a myth?

• "The Fabulous Exploits of Bill the Bill-Chested"

• "How the Zebra Got Its Stripes"

• "The Predatory Behaviors of Lions"

• None of the Above

What is the most important characteristic of legends?

• They often are critical of the cluture that produced them.

• They began as written accounts that became exaggerated over time.

• They involve actions and events that are realistic.

• They involve historical figures who have become exaggerated over time.