The
"Real" World - The world of everyday experience. This world is not "real"
in any absolute sense, because different cultures understand and interpret experience
differently.
Fairytale
Otherworld - The fairytale otherworld is at least superficially similar to the
mythic otherworld. It is timeless and set in a place that embraces events and
creatures that are unknown in the "real" world. Unlike the mythic otherworld,
the fairytale otherworld is not believed in.
MYTH
- In cultures in which myths are a living tradition, myths are deeply rooted in
belief. Myths have many functions, but in the broadest sense they seek to explain
humankind's relationships to the rest of the universe. Myths also serve to validate
social patterns and institutions. In short, myths communicate a culture's central
values and attitudes.
Mythic
Otherworld - Cultures worldwide tend to set their myths in a "mythic time"
and a "mythic space." Mythic time is not historical; that is, the events
of myth are set in a time that is not measurable by the standards of the "real"
world. Similarly, mythic space knows creatures and events unknown to the "real"
world.
LEGEND
- legends are a type of belief narrative, although not every account needs to
be believed by every listener. Instead, legends must be believable given the general
worldview of the culture involved. Some legends -- historical accounts, for example
(whether or not the are objectively "true") are set in the "real"
world. Supernatural legends may be set in a world that is on the fringes of everyday
experience; still, it is a believable world for those who transmit the accounts.
NOVELLA
(pl. NOVELLE) - Novelle are nonbelief narratives. Events are not viewed as true,
or even particularly plausible, although the events of the novella are set in
a world only somewhat removed from that of everyday experience. Clever and/or
brave young men and women make their way in life.
FAIRYTALE-
The term is a misnomer, since fairies belong to the realm of legend (and thus
belief), but the term is well established in English. The fairytale otherworld
is far removed from the "real" world of everyday experience, and may
have similarities to the mythic otherworld. The fairytale, however, is not believed,
and requires a "willing suspension of disbelief" in order to fully participate
in the narrative event. For all its otherworldliness, the fairytale is intimately
concerned with the human condition. If the fairytale is the counterpart of the
myth in terms of its otherworldly setting, it is the counterpart of legend in
its worldview. While legendry focuses on the dark, dangerous side of life, the
fairytale unrelentingly stresses the positive. The happy ending is essential to
its nature.
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| TERMINOLOGY
- The Spectrum of Traditional Narrative |
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SPECTRUM OF TRADITIONAL
NARRATIVE
(Point
to a term for an explanation)
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