Folktales are stories that spread through the mouth of word over time. They teach children about different cultures and traditions based on origins of the folktales. They are often unrealistic like fairy tales but, their main goal is that they are for fun and mainly act as a motivation.
In the famous folktale of Jack and the Beanstalk, the story acts as an entertainment for kids. But it teaches the moral of taking advantage of the opportunities that life provides which can be useful in their life.
Secondly, the Chinese Folktale of Fa Mulan, in the “Woman Warrior”, shows one of the several ways on how women can be strong and encourages them to be one. For example, the author herself involves into the character of Fa Mulan and experiences the struggles and at the same time feels the strength of Fa Mulan. This indeed encourages her to become strong in her American life.
Lastly, the African Folktale about Africans having the magical power to fly gives hope to enslaved Africans that someday they can fly to Africa to attain complete freedom from the problems faced as a slave or colored person in America. In the “Song of Solomon”, Mr. Smith says, ““I will take off from Mercy and fly away on my own wings.” This incident of Mr. Smith jumping of the roof of the Mercy Hospital shows how this African Folktale has encouraged him to reach his freedom.
In other words, folktales help people become stronger especially, in the time of facing their obstacles.
