Many types of stories from the oral tradition fall under the umbrella of folklore.
Myths are origin tales that often explain natural phenomena, emotions, or social occurrences.
Legends are tales that have allegedly occurred and feature heroes and their triumphs.
Folktales and fairy tales reveal human behaviors, attitudes, or foibles; occasionally serve as warnings, and often include magic
Fables often use animals as vehicles for teaching morality.
Parables are meant to educate, often religious in nature.
Drolls are Japanese in origin; they are usually funny "introductory tales" that are told before a longer story
Tall Tales are hyperbolic tales, occasionally sprinkled with truth
Urban Legends are modern tall tales, cautionary in nature
The Browne Popular Culture Library on the 4th floor of the Jerome Library also has an extensive collection of folktales and folktale encyclopedias.