These two examples are typical of the purpose of many folktales, which is to caution or to motivate. Miles Standish was a middle-aged commander of the Plymouth Colony's small guard. Not feeling articulate enough to speak for himself, he sent a young, handsome friend, John Alden, in his stead, to speak of love to Priscilla Mullins. As it happens, Alden was also in love with the beautiful Priscilla. There are all kinds of practical lessons to be learned from the story of the courtship of Miles Standish.
Folktales are common in all countries, universal in nature.
Since a folktale has been told by many storytellers, there are versions or variations for every country. Because it has been handed down through the ages, its origin is lost. English versions of many foreign tales are usually available in the school library and the public library. There is a type of literature for every need, so to speak. Folktales provide a fairly clear and uncomplicated example of a type of literature.