Animals and tricksters appear in folk tales from a wide variety of cultures, especially those with strong oral storytelling traditions. Use this lesson plan to introduce students to these characters and the lessons they were used to...

There are many trickster folk tales in folklore and in modern literature; they are found in every culture. They often use an animal that represents the underdog, which uses skill and cunning to outwit a superior. These stories have been...

The lessons presented in this website "introduce children to folk tales" and how these folktales are changed and affected by generational and cultural values. Includes several links to further related information on folktales, fables,...

This is a comprehensive unit on Native American and Aztec Mythology including key terms, animals and archtypes, animal tricksters, totems, readings of Cherokee and California myths, the Aztec creation myth, research assignment with...

The Milwaukee Public Museum provides this introduction to the Native American oral tradition and oral literature of the Great Lakes region. Describes common themes and characters, including trickster characters and windingo (ice...

Through the study of trickster tales from various cultures, including the classic Cajun character Lapin the Rabbit, 3rd graders learn how storytelling can be entertaining as well as educational. Students build an understanding of...

This site talks about what a tall tale is and also lists some tall tales and their characters. There are many book references to help.

This is a comprehensive unit on British and Celtic mythology that includes background information linking the two and vocabulary terms. British mythology focuses on legends of knights and kings; audio clips of several excerpts from Age...

Known throughout the Islamic world, Nasreddin tales feature a wise man with a biting wit and more than one trick or lesson up his sleeve. Learn about him on this site and read a selection of short tales, anecdotes, and jokes.

This lesson plan gives students a chance to explore the art and literature of Indians, Africans, Mayans, and Native Americans. Provides plenty of links to photo examples, and instructional activity extension ideas.

Learn about Hare the wily animal trickster from the African myth. Discover how Africa spreads myths, legends, and tribal history throughout storytelling.

Nasreddin is a famous character (and perhaps real person) in Arabic folktales -- he's wise, and funny; sometimes the sage and sometimes the trickster. This page, part of larger site on Azerbaijan, provides a nice sampling of Nasreddin...

Learn how visual artist Christine Sioui Wawanoloath uses trickster's humour in her art and view samples of her work.

What exactly are carnivorous plants and how do they trap their prey? Kenny Coogan dives into the world of flesh-eating tricksters.

First graders read several Anansi, or Spider, stories, which present the character as both a trickster and a helper. They explore character motivation and how animals interact with other animals and adapt to their living conditions....

This online version of the 1902 book includes a pronunciation guide for all the Norse names. An especially helpful feature is the ability to customize your display preference.

Great place for information on Norse mythology! These articles "Provide a brief introduction to some of the Norse gods and goddesses, as well as a summary of a few of the stories," and pictures depicting the events.

Powell's Books presents a series of author interviews. This is a transcript of an interview with three authors of fantasy fiction: Philip Pullman, Tamora Pierce and Christopher Paolini. They discuss the ways they create characters and...

From myths abound with the frog being known as a trickster, magician, master of escapes, spells, symbol of fertility and renewal. Learn about the interesting frog myths that exist in this enjoyable site.

The famous Uncle Remus folktales were retold by this writer. Site offers a biography of Harris, a brief discussion of the Uncle Remus tales, and a list of suggested readings.

Nasreddin is a famous character (and perhaps real person) in Arabic folktales -- he's wise, and funny; sometimes the sage and sometimes the trickster. This page, part of larger site on Azerbaijan, provides a nice sampling of Nasreddin...

From myths abound with the frog being known as a trickster, magician, master of escapes, spells, symbol of fertility and renewal. Learn about the interesting frog myths that exist in this enjoyable site.

Learn how visual artist Christine Sioui Wawanoloath uses trickster's humour in her art and view samples of her work.