The folktale canon
The classic story types behind the world’s fairy tales and folktales — what defines each pattern, how cultures tell it, and how to share a version with your kid.
New story types are mapped as the canon seed wave runs.
The Dragon-Slayer (ATU 300) is a timeless tale where a brave youth, often aided by wondrous dogs, confronts a fearsome dragon to save a community from a yearly sacrifice, proving his heroism against imposters.
78 cultures12 motifsThe Hansel and Gretel story type (ATU 327A) features abandoned children who outsmart a cunning, often cannibalistic, witch or ogress after being lured to a house made of sweets, demonstrating resilience and cleverness in the face of peril.
69 cultures12 motifsThe Little Red Riding Hood story type (ATU 333) is a classic folktale where a young protagonist, often with a red cap, journeys to a relative's home, encounters a deceptive predator, and faces peril, often leading to a dramatic rescue.
35 cultures5 motifs