Louisiana's folktales include many of the tale types found universally, but with notable cultural modifications. The folktales of French Louisiana are similar to tales found in parts of Canada, Missouri, and the Antilles, and reflect a close relationship to the narrative lore of France. Louisiana's narrative maze becomes even more intricate when the state's smaller enclaves are considered. In Natchitoches Parish, oral traditions of the Spanish Lake community are Hispanic and Native American in origin. The communities of Kolin and Libuse in Rapides Parish maintain a Czechoslovakian oral tradition.
Folktales are an integral part of Louisiana's heritage.
They reflect a fascinating array of cultures which have modified each other, yet they retain a flavor of the individual teller's background. For instance, the main characters of animal tales usually conform to stock types. These types are often ancient in origin and may be either tamed or wild animals that speak, think, and act like ordinary people. The cunning wolf or rabbit, and the stupid wolf, alligator or bear, are common examples. Similar characters found in the African American tradition are Br'er Rabbit and Tarbaby.