* Folk tales: This is a general term for stories passed down orally through generations, encompassing a wide range of genres.
* Myths: Stories that explain the origins of the world, gods, or natural phenomena, often involving supernatural beings.
* Legends: Stories about historical events or figures, often embellished with fantastical elements.
* Creation stories: Stories that explain how the world and humanity came into being.
* Origin stories: Similar to creation stories, but focused on explaining the origins of specific things, like animals, plants, or natural phenomena.
* Animal tales: Stories featuring animals as protagonists, often with human-like qualities.
* Trickster tales: Stories about mischievous characters who use their cunning to outsmart others.
* Wonder tales: Stories about magical beings, fantastical creatures, or impossible events.
* Nature stories: Stories that focus on the natural world, often explaining the behavior of animals or the occurrences of weather events.
The term "pourquoi" story, which literally means "why" story, came to prominence in the late 19th century thanks to anthropologists and folklorists who recognized the common theme of these stories in explaining why things are the way they are.
It's important to note that not all stories explaining natural phenomena are classified as "pourquoi" stories. Some stories may serve other functions, such as entertainment, moral instruction, or social commentary. However, "pourquoi" stories are distinguished by their focus on providing explanations for natural occurrences.