Folklore in literature refers to traditional knowledge and beliefs that are passed down orally from generation to generation. It includes a wide range of narratives, such as folk stories, fairy tales, myths, legends, tall tales, and urban legends. Folklore can be found in both prose and verse narratives, poems and songs, dramas, rituals, proverbs, riddles, and more. Folklore is typically transmitted by word of mouth, rather than being written in books, and has no author.

Folklore has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years, and nearly all known peoples, now or in the past, have produced it. It speaks to an innate psychological need shared by all human beings, as it helps us face the world and learn valuable lessons about courage and perseverance. Folklore is also a living medium meant to be shared with others to develop new relationships and ways of understanding.

Examples of folklore in literature include J.R.R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings trilogy, which draws heavily from Nordic, Welsh, and Finnish folklore. Another example is the many books that have been written with folk stories as their inspiration, often taking a character or situation from the folk story and expanding on it.

In summary, folklore in literature refers to traditional knowledge and beliefs that are passed down orally from generation to generation and includes a wide range of narratives. It has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years and helps us face the world and learn valuable lessons.