An international classification system for folktales based on narrative patterns.
Overview
Aarne-Thompson Type Index
The Aarne-Thompson Type Index (AT Index) is a folktale classification system originally developed by Finnish folklorist Antti Aarne in 1910 and later expanded by American folklorist Stith Thompson. It systematically classifies European and Middle Eastern folktales by narrative patterns, organizing approximately 2,500 tale types into seven major categories including Animal Tales, Tales of Magic, and Religious Tales. In 2004, German folklorist Hans-Jörg Uther revised it as the ATU Index, and it continues to be widely used as an international standard classification in folklore studies.
folklore
folktales
fairy tales
tale classification
comparative folklore studies
| code | slug | name | description | rangeEnd | rangeStart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-299 | animal-tales | Animal Tales | Tales featuring animals as protagonists and their interactions with each other or with humans. | 299 | 1 |
| 300-749 | tales-of-magic | Tales of Magic | The most complex and elaborate folktales featuring magic and supernatural elements. | 749 | 300 |
| 750-849 | religious-tales | Religious Tales | Religious folktales centered on Christian saints and divine blessings and punishments. | 849 | 750 |
| 850-999 | realistic-tales | Realistic Tales | Tales set in everyday situations without magic or supernatural elements. | 999 | 850 |
| 1000-1199 | tales-of-the-stupid-ogre | Tales of the Stupid Ogre | Tales where powerful supernatural beings are outwitted by weaker characters. | 1199 | 1000 |
| 1200-1999 | anecdotes-and-jokes | Anecdotes and Jokes | Short stories and anecdotes intended for humor and laughter. | 1999 | 1200 |
| 2000-2399 | formula-tales | Formula Tales | Tales based on repetitive patterns or fixed formulas. | 2399 | 2000 |