A folktale is an old story that has been passed down from generation to generation, often in the oral tradition, and not written down. They are closely related to many storytelling traditions, including fables, myths, and fairy tales. Folktales are an important way of passing along knowledge, information, and history, and every human society has its own folktales. They can be scary, funny, or exciting, and different types of folktales may entertain, teach a lesson, or try to explain things that people do not understand. Some common types of folktales include:

• Myths: Traditional stories about a cultures beliefs about life.
• Fables: Entertaining tales featuring animals that talk and behave as people do, and teach a lesson.
• Fairy tales: Stories about magical events and creatures, often featuring a young person meeting fantastic beings such as fairies, witches, giants, or dragons.
• Tall tales: Stories with huge exaggerations.
• Legends: Stories about historical figures, sometimes involving magical dragon tales.
• Superhero stories: Stories about people with supernatural power.

Folktales are an important part of many cultures and can provide insight into the beliefs, values, and customs of a people.