Which term refers to traditional stories that grow from oral storytelling and reflect a culture’s beliefs and customs?

• A. Fables
• B. Folktales
• C. Myths
• D. Legends

Answer: (B)

Folktales are traditional stories that grow from oral storytelling and mirror a culture's beliefs and customs. Because they’re passed down by word of mouth, they evolve with each retelling, weaving in daily life, social norms, and shared values of the community. They often include magical elements, unusual events, or adventurous heroes, but their defining feature is that they originate in a community’s storytelling tradition rather than from a single author. Fables focus on a moral and usually use talking animals. Myths try to explain origins or natural phenomena and involve gods or supernatural forces. Legends center on notable people or events and are often linked to real places. So, the term that best fits traditional stories rooted in oral tradition and reflecting a culture’s beliefs and customs is folktales.