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Structural Folklore

The ATU Index

The Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index is the standard classification system used by folklorists to identify the "types" of fairy tales across different cultures.

TYPE 300-399

Supernatural Adversaries

Stories featuring dragons, ogres, and witches.

Stories in Archive:
+4
TYPE 400-459

Supernatural or Enchanted Spouses

Tales of transformation and animal brides/grooms.

Stories in Archive:
+4
TYPE 460-499

Supernatural Tasks

The hero must perform impossible feats.

Stories in Archive:
+4
TYPE 500-559

Supernatural Helpers

Magic beings that assist the protagonist, like Cinderella.

Stories in Archive:
+4
TYPE 560-649

Magic Objects

Tales centered around lamps, rings, or magic tables.

Stories in Archive:
+4

Understanding Story DNA

By classifying tales by type, we can see how the same core "bones" of a story move from 9th-century China to 19th-century Germany.