Folk stories

Storytelling is the cornerstone of civilization. Thanks to stories, humans have preserved and passed on intellectual achievements and moral values for millennia. Let’s celebrate the diversity of humankind by reading those stories to our kids.

Broad, Long and Sharpsight

Broad, Long and Sharpsight

15
 min
8
+
4.77

When we join forces, we can overcome difficult obstacles. An adventurous story about how a young man chooses to win the heart of a princess. Three brave helpers, who he meets on the way to the castle, help him to overcome the obstacles and difficult tasks that stand in his way.

Jack the Pea Boy

Jack the Pea Boy

15
 min
3
+
4.85

Those who are smart will overcome any difficulties. Pavol Dobšinský’s story tells us about a boy who is small as a pea but also incredibly strong.

The Donkey, the Table and the Stick

The Donkey, the Table and the Stick

15
 min
5
+
4.68

This English fairy tale is about a boy named Jack who sets out to roam the world. He gets many magical gifts for his hard work, but the greedy innkeeper always robs him of everything. Will Jack manage to punish the greedy man in the end?

Cinderella

Cinderella

28
 min
5
+
4.81

In one of the most famous classic fairy tales of all time, we learn about modest Cinderella, who has to stand the heartless behaviour of her stepmother and half-sisters. However, thanks to the help of a magic fairy, she will finally have a happy ending.

The Little Match Girl

The Little Match Girl

12
 min
8
+
4.44

This touching story reminds us to be more attentive, empathetic, and caring. It has a sad ending and is about a poor girl who wanders the streets alone in winter. No one either notices, or helps her.

Rosie and the Peacock King

Rosie and the Peacock King

26
 min
8
+
4.63

This French tale is about Princess Rosie, who has been locked in a tower for years due to a threatening prophecy. Her brothers finally set her free and set out to find the peacock king to marry their sister. Along the way, however, they encounter many obstacles and unexpected situations. Will the three siblings finally have a happy ending?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

24
 min
5
+
4.82

This is a world famous story where good again wins over evil. When the beautiful Snow White escapes from the evil queen, seven dwarves living in a modest hut deep in the woods help her out.

The Baker’s Daughter

The Baker’s Daughter

7
 min
5
+
4.63

A greedy baker in a small English town has been deceiving customers for years with his dishonest way of doing business. One day, his daughter, having learned her father’s devious methods, tries to cheat a poor old woman who comes into the bakery. Little does the girl know that it’s a fairy disguised as an old woman, and that if she insists on being deceitful, she’ll be justly punished.

How Jack Went to Seek His Fortune

How Jack Went to Seek His Fortune

10
 min
5
+
4.74

This fairy tale is about a boy named Jack who sets out to roam the world. Along the way, various animal friends join him, and when they encounter a house full of bandits, they do not get scared. On the contrary, they join forces and get the whole house for themselves, along with all the stolen treasure.

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots

20
 min
5
+
4.85

Things are often not what they appear to be. After a miller’s death, his youngest son inherits nothing except for a small cat. When the other two brothers kick him out, he sets out with the animal to seek his fortune. Soon the younger brother learns that he is in fact the luckiest among all the sons. The cat, thanks to his trickiness, turns the boy’s simple life into an unexpected adventure.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood

15
 min
3
+
4.71

Don’t talk to strangers. This famous fairy tale reminds us that talking to strangers can be dangerous. Luckily, this story has a happy ending.

The Frog King

The Frog King

8
 min
3
+
4.36

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. This is a tale about a spoiled princess. She is willing to promise anything to a frog for helping her find a lost ball in a well. Although the frog helps her, the princess later refuses to keep her careless promise. However, she has no idea yet that the frog is an enchanted prince.

The Buckwheat Tale

The Buckwheat Tale

6
 min
5
+
4.39

This story from the plant kingdom tells of a young buckwheat growing in a field that became too proud of its own beauty. The buckwheat, blinded by its pride, did not even listen to the advice of the old willow and refused to bow its head even before the dangerous storm.

The Seven Little Goats

The Seven Little Goats

11
 min
3
+
4.72

The notoriously instructive tale by the Grimm brothers about naughty little goats and a big bad wolf. The mother goat leaves her little kids alone in the house, and the hungry wolf immediately senses the opportunity for a tasty lunch. The wolf tries to get to the little goats in many ways. They open a door eventually thinking it is their mother. But a big lesson awaits them...

Pinocchio

Pinocchio

19
 min
5
+
4.85

A world famous tale teaches us that lying doesn’t pay off. When a lone woodworker carves out a wooden puppet just for pleasure, it suddenly comes to life. The extraordinary puppet becomes a restless and adventurous boy called Pinocchio. But when he lies, his little nose starts growing.

Mary and the Twelve Months

Mary and the Twelve Months

14
 min
5
+
4.77

This classic story is about good winning over evil. When her evil stepmother sends Mary out to the forest to get violets and strawberries, the twelve months will help her out with their supernatural powers.

The Princess and the Pea

The Princess and the Pea

12
 min
5
+
4.72

The young prince is having difficulty finding someone he wants to marry — the princesses he is continually introduced to are less than kind and therefore deemed unsuitable. But then, out of nowhere, a mysterious young woman arrives at the castle gates in disarray. She is lost and soaking wet, yet claims to be a princess. She stays overnight, whence the doubting queen is able to test her claim with the help of a small pea. It’s a test that proves to be conclusive.

Rapunzel

Rapunzel

9
 min
5
+
4.64

A jealous witch wanted to have the beautiful Rapunzel all to herself, so she locked her up in a tower with no door. The only way up there was on Rapunzel’s long, golden plait. A prince, however, decided to thwart the witch’s plans and set Rapunzel free.

Frequently asked questions

What are folk stories, and why are they important?

Folk stories are traditional tales passed down orally through generations, often reflecting the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular culture or community. These stories often include heroes, mythical creatures, or moral lessons, serving both as entertainment and a way to preserve cultural heritage.

How are folk stories different from fairy tales or myths?

While folk stories, fairy tales, and myths all belong to the realm of traditional storytelling, they have key differences. Folk stories are generally rooted in the everyday experiences and beliefs of ordinary people and are often passed down by grandparents from generation to generation. Fairy tales, on the other hand, typically involve magical elements, fantastical creatures, and happy endings, aiming to entertain while imparting moral lessons. Myths are more closely tied to religious or spiritual beliefs, often explaining the origins of the world, gods, and human existence.

Why are traditional folk stories passed on from generation to generation?

Traditional folk stories are passed on from generation to generation because they serve as a means of preserving cultural heritage, values, and lessons. These stories often contain important moral teachings, societal customs, and historical events that are integral to a community’s identity. By passing these stories down, each generation ensures that their cultural knowledge, beliefs, and traditions remain alive and relevant.

Are the folk stories on Readmio from different cultures?

Yes, the folk stories for kids at Readmio come from a wide variety of cultures around the world. We are dedicated to sharing the richness of global storytelling traditions, offering stories from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. This diverse collection allows children and families to explore different cultural perspectives and learn about the traditions, values, and moral lessons that have shaped societies across the globe.

What lessons can children learn from folk stories?

Children can learn a wide range of lessons from folk stories, including moral values, life skills, and cultural understanding. These stories often emphasize important virtues like kindness, honesty, bravery, and perseverance, teaching children to make ethical decisions. Additionally, folk stories often illustrate the consequences of bad behavior, helping children understand cause and effect.

What famous stories are based on traditional folk stories?

Many famous stories and popular tales are based on traditional folk stories. For example, many of the well-known Grimm Brothers' fairy tales, such as "Cinderella," "Snow White," and "Hansel and Gretel," are rooted in European folk traditions.