tale

A tale is a narrative, often imaginative, that can be shorter and less complex than a novel. It can also be a brief personal account, a report of recent events, or a rumor. Tales can be fictional, like the well-known stories in Grimm's Fairy Tales, which include "Hansel and Gretel" and "Snow White".12

Folktales are oral fictional stories, found universally across cultures and time. They are typically considered fictional, unlike legends or myths which are often believed. Folktales can feature humans, animals, gods, giants, and monsters, and are often intended for children. They can cross language and cultural boundaries easily, with themes and expressions that are transcultural.34