They are clearly didactic and their moral purpose is explicitly stated. The animal characters talk and act like humans and indicate a moral lesson or satirize human conduct. Tales about gods, goddesses and heroes or heroines who are godlike or show supernatural traits and superhuman power. The narratives are often considered truthful accounts of what happened in the past. They are accepted on faith and are taught to be believed.
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.