Traditionally, such stories are associated with the American Southwest prior to the Civil War, an area we currently refer to as the Southeast. Although humorous even when the listener recognizes that the tale is untrue, the tall tale is most effective when a clever narrator is able to dupe a naive greenhorn, rookie, tenderfoot, or stranger. For comic effect, tall tales rely on the incongruity between their sober narration, realistic detail, literal approach, and common diction, and their implausible narrative. The teller uses a deliberately exaggerated or an extravagantly understated manner that strains the limits of the listener's credibility, while exposing personal or societal values, customs, behaviors, or character. In tall tales, a fictive situation is portrayed as factual through a personal narrative or anecdote that challenges the listener with its comic improbability. 'The tall tale is a comedic form closely connected to the American frontier.

The Continuum Encyclopedia of American Literature Says: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a tall tale as “a story that is very difficult to believe” or “a greatly exaggerated story.” Illustrated Legends of the Kitano Tenjin Shrine, late 13th century. Many legends operate within the realm of uncertainty, never being entirely believed by the participants, but also never being resolutely doubted.”

Legends may be transformed over time, in order to keep them fresh, vital, and realistic. Legend, for its active and passive participants, includes no happenings that are outside the realm of ‘possibility,’ but may include miracles. Narratives in this genre may demonstrate human values, and possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude. A legend is an unverifiable or non-historical story that has been handed down by tradition, and is popularly accepted as true and/or historical.įrom Folkloristics via Wikipedia: “Legend is a genre of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions perceived or believed both by teller and listeners to have taken place within human history.

Folk tales definition