Main characters can be animals, deities, or people. The actions take place in an earlier world or another world such as the underworld or the sky. Are more secular than myths. Long narratives centering on one hero who battles against powerful human and superhuman odds. Have a very formal, elegant style of presentation.
Ballads usually tell stories about heroes, murders, love, tragedies, and feuds.
Ballads introduce children to the themes of literature and turn their ears to the rhythms of poetry.