How do I write a folk tale? I know it is an old story but I don't know what format to use.?

Answer 1

The setting should be in olden times or in a more traditional
cultural setting. Folk tales are sometimes like fairly tales in the sense that they usually have a moral and speak of how things should be, rather than how they are now.
I am not sure, but I would classify the true life writings of William Saroyan as a sort of folk tales as well. A book like "My Name is Aram" was a collection of (mostly) true stories set in an Armenian community is California and most of the stories have a point to be made.
On that basis I would call those stories "folk tales" as well.

Answer 2

Folklore academic Vladimir Propp identified 31 unique "motifs" in fairy tales (Morphology of the Folktale), although not all fairy tales had all 31. Generally speaking, this has been simplified into the Magic Tale Narrative Model which is:

Lack--what is it your character is missing? Wealth? Princess?Food?

Quest--your Hero (m or f) goes on a quest to fill the Lack

Helpers--who helps your Hero along the way? Usually magical. Jiminy Cricket? magic harp? Donkey?

Test--how is your hero tested? Does s/he defeat the dragon? cross the river? Beat Dr. Octopus? Your hero needs to be challenged physically or mentally or other and may not necessarily pass the first time--if not, then go back adn repeat (think the prince from cinderella trying to find the owner of the glass slipper--has to try a lot of feet to fulfill his quest)

Resolution--how is the quest resolved? Gets the kingdom, the princess's hand in marriage and happily ever after?

Going through the steps is called a "Move". There can be many moves nested within each other--e.g., have to get the key hidden under Davy Jones tentacles (Move 1), have to find the chest for the key (move 2), etc., etc., etc...

Answer 3

Folk tales have morals with fantasy elements while still remaining realistic enough to not forget the lesson.
"Happily ever after" isn't always the route, a lot of times it's like "....and he was never heard from again." Sorta things.

Answer 4

Considering the season, read "The legend of Sleepy Hollow" or Rip van Winkle. These are american folk tales. Also read The Brothers Grim. Choose among these styles or develope on of your own.

Answer 5

Tell a story about a hero/heroine who lived in a time before now, had to overcome an obstacle, and succeeded through extraordinary cleverness or heroism.

Answer 6

"Once upon a time" is usually a good way to start. :-)

Answer 7

and end with..." and they all lived happily ever after"