Here are ways in which folk tales are different from contemporary literature:
First, folktales transcend the generations of people who passed on these
stories. The original tales were transmitted orally from storyteller to storyteller
and were eventually written down. Folktales continue to evolve, and are
shaped according to the conditions of the times. Therefore, folktales never
cease to be relevant even today and will remain so in the future. Moreover, the
indigenous knowledge and wisdom found in the folktales keep us connected
to our traditions and indeed help shape our culture.
Second, folktales take place long ago in a faraway place. Talking animals,
giants and fairies, prince and princesses, as well as peasants and ordinary
folks are featured characters that give life to stories. Through folktales, children
are given a glimpse into a world where fantasy and reality meet.
Third, folktales have obvious and recurrent themes. Goodness is always
rewarded, heroes and heroines live happily ever after, while villains are suitably
punished. Throughout the generations, the story may change, but its core
message remains the same. We, teachers and parents, do not need to try
to teach values explicitly. Instead, we just tell tales, thus maintaining folktales
as a tool to educate children on how to live with integrity and peacefully with
others.
Fourth, folktales reflect society’s attempt to give form and shape to its hopes
and fears, and answers to its questions. Folktales provide order to seemingly
random experiences, as well as express the culture’s belief system. Today,
many of these old tales are regarded as flights of fancy, but they live on
because they capture our sense of wonder and aspirations. Moreover, we
recognize their visions which are often more powerful than the explanations
science provides.
Fifth, folktales allow children to experience adventures they cannot attain in
real life. For example, when heroes from folktales are facing monsters, giants,
dragons, and other evil forces, the stories impart courage and wisdom in
overcoming problems. Folktales may sometimes frighten children, but at the
same time the stories excite and then comfort them.
Finally, the language of folktales is an important part of children’s literary heritage.
Because of the oral tradition, the language in a folktale is musical, rhythmic
and melodic. In addition, the characters’ direct dialogue punctuated with quick
action excites readers’ and listeners’ interest. By listening to and reading these
tales, children acquire language. Moreover, folktales provide them with writing
models.
( Dr Hae-ri Kim, The Role of Folk Tales Today)
Attached is an example of a Philippine Folk Tale: The Sun and the Moon - a Mandaya folk tale from Mindanao
