Aarne-Thompson-Uther classification system

The Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) classification system is a method used by folklorists to categorize and analyze folk tales, fairy tales, and legends. It groups stories based on common themes, plots, and motifs, assigning each a unique number. For example, stories involving a "quest" or a "magic helper" might share similar patterns and fall under the same category. This system helps researchers understand how stories evolve, relate across cultures, and share universal elements. It’s a tool for organizing storytelling traditions to reveal underlying structures and connections in world folklore.