Question

How do you know a story is a folktale?

Answer 1

A folktale is a story or legend forming part of an oral tradition. Folktales possess many or all of the characteristics listed below.
Are generally part of the oral tradition of a group.
Are more frequently told than read
Are passed down from one generation to another
Take on the characteristics of the time and place in which they are told
Sometimes take on the personality of the storyteller
Speak to universal and timeless themes.
Try to make sense of our existence, help humans cope with the world in which they live, or explain the origin of something.
Are often about the common person
May contain supernatural elements
Function to validate certain aspects of culture
Example: Connecticut Yankee