A folk tale is “a tale spread by word of mouth among the people”. (Popular tale). According to this definition, written (literary) stories cannot be classified as folk tales. I would like you not to assume that a definition is the final word on what constitutes a folk tale; for it can be seen that most all stories classified as folklore have one or more key characteristics. They highlight a strong moral value or recurring motif. Folk tales usually involve certain key factors such as trickery, magic, monsters or wealth. They also usually have certain key features such as a quick start, simple characters, fast-paced plots, and all questions answered by the end of the story. (Elements of folk tales). Why is a folk tale not a fairy tale? Folktales are very different from fairy tales in several ways. The main difference between them is their function. Fairy tales distract us from real life; a means of escape for the desperate. Folktales have real utility and purpose behind their creation; they are supposed to teach. Here is a quote explaining the differences: Folktales are the beliefs, practices, lessons, legends, and traditional tales of a culture or people transmitted orally through stories. Fairy tales are fanciful, imaginary stories about people, fairies, animals, or things with magical powers. Similarity: Every story has a problem and complication before it is resolved. Difference: Folktales require people to use their brains to solve their problems, while fairy tales require people to have magic to help them. (Fairy tales). What is the purpose of folk tales? Folk tales are meant to teach a lesson to people of all ages...... middle of paper ...... Japanese lullabies, Koto music, Shakuhachi music, meditation music, Healing, Oyasumi. Internet. January 13, 2010. “Anecdote of the day: part 142 – Crime rates in the United States. » WILLismes.com. August 18, 2005. Web. January 20, 2010. .Schlosser, SE “Urban Legends of American Folklore.” American Folklore: Famous American folk tales, tall tales, myths and legends, ghost stories and much more. American folklore. Internet. January 13, 2010. .Solis, KT “What is a folktale? » WiseGEEK: clear answers to common questions.Wisegeek. Internet. January 13, 2010. .Homer and Robert Fagles. The Odyssey. New York: Penguin Classics, 1999. Print.