What is the Difference Between Folktale and Fable?

The main difference between a folktale and a fable lies in their origins, characters, and purpose. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

• Origin: Folktales refer to stories that have been passed down from ancestors of a particular group of people, following an oral tradition. On the other hand, fables are stories with a moral or based on a myth, often created by an individual.
• Characters: Folktales usually feature people as main characters and sometimes include feats of strength. Fables, however, often feature animals given human characteristics.
• Moral: Folktales do not always provide a moral to the listener. In contrast, fables always provide a moral to the listener, teaching a lesson or conveying a message.
• Purpose: Folktales are typically meant for entertainment and are unique to groups of people, reflecting their cultural background. Fables are designed to teach a moral lesson or highlight a particular theme.

In summary, folktales are traditional stories passed down through generations, often featuring people as characters and not always having a moral message, while fables are stories with a moral purpose, usually featuring animals with human characteristics.

Comparative Table: Folktale vs Fable

Here is a table comparing folktales and fables:

For more information on the differences between folktales and fables, please refer to the search results and the provided table.