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Folklore and More (Traditional Literature)

A guide to finding folktales, fairytales, fables and more in the TMC
Baba Yaga Image

Baba Yaga.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Johnny Appleseed Image

Johnny Appleseed.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Minerva and Neptune Picture

The Dispute of Minerva and Neptune by René-Antoine Houasse (c. 1689 or 1706)

Source: WIkimedia Commons

Aesop's Fables

Aesop's Fables: The Fox and the Crow

Internet Archive Book Images: Flickr

Traditional Literature

Folktales, Fairy Tales, Tall Talls, Myths, Fables, Legends...

All of the above genres fall under the broad category of Traditional Literature. They have similarities in common, but also several differences. On this page, you'll find links and resources to help distinguish between these different subgenres, as well as searching tips for finding these materials within the TMC.

Chart about Folktales

Source: https://lessonsbysandy.com/2013/04/folktales-fairytales-and-fables-oh-my.html

How do I find traditional tales within the TMC?

A little of everywhere! Some might be in TMC Easy as picture books, others might be retellings in TMC Fiction. There are even literary sections in the TMC Nonfiction+ section which can be browsed.

Folklore shelves label: mythology etcFolklore shelves 2: legends, etc

Browse the shelves:

  • TMC BL: Mythology and religion
  • TMC PZ 8: Traditional fairy tales
  • TMC PZ 8.1: Folklore and legends
  • TMC PZ 8.2: Fables   

Search the ONESearch (filter to the TMC):

  • Keywords:
    • Words describing the literature: folktale (or "folk tale"), folklore, myth (or mythology), fairy tale, fable, tall tale, etc
      • Search any of these terms in "Words in Subject" to get more precise results!
      • Add a specific country if you're interested in a certain culture's folklore (ex) Russian folktale)
    • Specific folkloric or mythological figures: Paul Bunyan, Cinderella, Zeus, etc.