What is a folktale?

A folktale is defined as an anonymous story passed down orally from generation to generation. This form of storytelling typically represents the culture, beliefs, and traditions of a community or group. It often includes elements such as moral lessons, fantastical events, and recognizable characters such as heroes, villains, and animals that speak. Folktales serve to entertain while also preserving cultural heritage, imparting wisdom, and explaining natural phenomena through a narrative format.

The other options do not accurately describe what a folktale is. For instance, a documented historical event refers specifically to a real occurrence that is recorded in history, which does not align with the fictional and often moralistic nature of folktales. A novel with multiple authors involves collaborative writing and does not encompass the oral tradition characteristic of folktales. Lastly, a scientific theory relates to explanations based on empirical evidence and testing, which is unrelated to the narrative and cultural aspects of folk storytelling.