Tolkien Vocabulary
Directions: In your notebook- create a chart which includes: NOTECARDS FOR
EACH word, words with the definitions, symbols, synonyms and a sentence with
8 words or more.
1.
Oral tradition- a universal human tradition of practicing and memorizing and performing stories;
telling tales, singing ballads, reciting poems.
2.
Myth- a story about the relationshi’ between mortal beings and the supernatural realm of gods,
goddesses, wizards, monsters.
3.
Folk tale- a traditional episodic narrative orally within a society and between cultures. Ie.
“Hansel and Gretel”
4.
Heroic epic- a long poem recounting the deeds of a valiant warrior or courageous ruler. Ie.
Gilgamesh, Iliad- Homers narrative of the Trojan war
5.
Motif- an important theme that appears frequently with in a myth, tale or story. Ie. Impossible
task, forbidden action
6.
Eucatastrophe- A term invented by Tolkien for the “good catastrophe”, joyous and wholly turn
of events saving the hero or heroine; that typically resolves the plot of a Faerie narrative.
7.
Faerie- perilous realm of magic and enchantment that overlaps the human sphere. These stories
also include: dragons, ogres, giants, trolls, gnomes, elves, dwarves, witches, wizards and goblins which
populate classic fairy tales.
8.
Quest- an expedition under taken to find or achieve something.
9.
Legend- a story passed down for generations, conceivably rooted in actual person or event.
Legend of Robin Hood
10.
Hoard- a supply of something valuable, such as money or food which is carefully guarded.