Traditional+Literature+Genre+Group

=**Traditional Literature Genre Group Workspace**=
 * From Dr. Garcia -**
 * The consuming distinguishing characteristic of traditional literature is that no author can be traced as being the author of the original tale. For instance, the Odyssey and the Illiac are often penned under the name of Homer. However, they emerge from 8 centuries of being told in the form of oral poetry. Many scholars now believe that a real "Homer" never existed but rather, Homer can be seen as a constructed identity representing the many influences and oral tales that were involved in the creation of The Iliad and The Odyssey.**
 * Percy Jackson books follow the design of the epic poems with many motifs taken from traditional literature (i.e. the hero's quest, magical elements, good overcoming evil, etc.) but they were never part of the oral tradition but originally conceived by Jackson himself. Therefore they are situated purely in the modern fantasy genre.**
 * Thus, I think if you are looking for 6-8th grade books you have to look at the epic poems, Robin Hood, Knights of the Round Table, some of the Norse tales, Beowulf, etc.**
 * If it has an author who originated the tale (as opposed to an author who merely writes down or retells an oft-told oral tale) then it is not traditional literature.**
 * For example:**
 * The Brothers Grimm simply recorded in writing tales that had been told to children and adults around campfires for hundreds of years so those fairy tales are considered to be traditional literature.**
 * However, Hans Christian Andersen, employed the motifs of oral, traditional literature to come up with new tales (i.e. The Little Mermaid, The Matchstick Girl). They were authored by Andersen exclusively. They are NOT traditional literature but rather Modern Fantasy. (Makes you stretch the limits of thinking about Modern doesn't it.)**
 * Does that help?**

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