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.

The Wolf and the Ram

The Wolf and the Ram

5
 min
5
+
4.62

Being smart can help us defeat even the strongest foes. A lamb wanders into the woods. A hungry wolf wants to take advantage of him at once and have him for dinner. But the lamb’s wittiness easily tricked the wolf. He saves his own life not once, but twice - thanks to his agility and intelligence.

Rosie and the Peacock King

Rosie and the Peacock King

26
 min
8
+
4.61

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?

John the Simpleton

John the Simpleton

13
 min
5
+
4.6

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Once upon a time there were three brothers. Two were educated and wise, but the third was called John the simpleton, because he didn't get much sense. All three decide to win the heart of the princess. She promises to marry the lad who entertains her best.

The Three Feathers

The Three Feathers

10
 min
5
+
4.6

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. An old king decides to give his kingdom to one of his three sons. To choose the most suitable heir, he gives them three tasks.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

17
 min
3
+
4.58

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. The story is about two siblings who get lost in a forest and come across a gingerbread house. However, they have no idea yet that there is a danger waiting for them: an evil witch.

How Jack Went to Seek His Fortune

How Jack Went to Seek His Fortune

10
 min
5
+
4.58

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.

Rapunzel

Rapunzel

9
 min
5
+
4.57

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.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

25
 min
8
+
4.56

A touching story with a sad ending about a little mermaid who falls in love with a prince. Because of love, the mermaid becomes human and sacrifices not only her voice, but ultimately her own life.

The Emperor's New Clothes

The Emperor's New Clothes

13
 min
3
+
4.56

This is a story all the children around the world know. Being constantly adored is the only thing that brings meaning to the emperor’s life. Two crooks who pretend to be weavers take advantage of his weakness. They tailor a breathtaking dress for the emperor. He feels so unique in it. However, there is a catch, which he must surely discover sooner or later....

The Wooden Boy

The Wooden Boy

11
 min
3
+
4.55

A folk tale about a boy who was carved from a log. When the wooden boy grows up, an evil witch and her husband want to bake him for dinner. But the young lad deals with them well and returns home safe and sound, flying on a wild goose.

The Three Sillies

The Three Sillies

12
 min
8
+
4.55

This funny story is about human silliness. A traveller, who is busy roaming the world, meets many simple minded people. After visiting a farm, he is sure he can’t possibly see anything more silly. However, his next adventures prove him wrong.

Elbow Beard

Elbow Beard

13
 min
8
+
4.53

A classic story of how good wins over evil. An evil stepmother, who spoils her own daughter, throws her loving and hard-working stepdaughter out of the house. When Elbow Beard, a little old man with a largely long beard, appears, the stepmother and his daughter soon pay for their greed.

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots

20
 min
5
+
4.53

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.

Pinocchio

Pinocchio

19
 min
5
+
4.5

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.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood

15
 min
3
+
4.47

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 Enormous Turnip

The Enormous Turnip

11
 min
1
+
4.46

All together we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. A well-known tale about a grandfather who grows such an enormous turnip from a small seed in the garden that he can't even pull it out of the ground. Luckily, he has good helpers and they manage to pull out the turnip all together.

The Three Slackers

The Three Slackers

10
 min
5
+
4.44

These three brothers, who by now were grown men, only knew how to be lazy and idle. They avoided any notion of work, yet they longed for wealth and happiness. In order to survive in the easiest possible way, they decided to look for a treasure chest. But can such slackers manage to find one? And if so, will it be filled with the treasures they were expecting?

Wise Matthew and the Fools

Wise Matthew and the Fools

11
 min
5
+
4.42

A witty tale based on a work by Pavol Dobšinský about human foolishness. One day, wise young Matthew sets out in search of a bride. But as he wanders across the world, he chances upon only mad and foolish people. With his wisdom, he will eventually find his bride, but also a good deal of money.

Questions about

Folk stories

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.

Mio tip: install the Readmio