Aarne-Thompson classification

The Aarne-Thompson classification is a system used by folklorists to categorize traditional stories, fairy tales, and myths based on repeating story patterns or themes. It organizes tales into groups by common motifs, such as clever animals, magical transformations, or hero quests. This helps researchers identify connections between stories from different cultures and understand how similar narratives evolve worldwide. Essentially, it's a cataloging method that groups stories by their core story structures, making it easier to study the universal elements of folklore across various societies.