INI
Aarne-Thompson Type Index - INI
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
[item.animal-tales]
code=1-299
slug=animal-tales
name=Animal Tales
description=Tales featuring animals as protagonists and their interactions with each other or with humans.
rangeEnd=299
rangeStart=1
[item.tales-of-magic]
code=300-749
slug=tales-of-magic
name=Tales of Magic
description=The most complex and elaborate folktales featuring magic and supernatural elements.
rangeEnd=749
rangeStart=300
[item.religious-tales]
code=750-849
slug=religious-tales
name=Religious Tales
description=Religious folktales centered on Christian saints and divine blessings and punishments.
rangeEnd=849
rangeStart=750
[item.realistic-tales]
code=850-999
slug=realistic-tales
name=Realistic Tales
description=Tales set in everyday situations without magic or supernatural elements.
rangeEnd=999
rangeStart=850
[item.tales-of-the-stupid-ogre]
code=1000-1199
slug=tales-of-the-stupid-ogre
name=Tales of the Stupid Ogre
description=Tales where powerful supernatural beings are outwitted by weaker characters.
rangeEnd=1199
rangeStart=1000
[item.anecdotes-and-jokes]
code=1200-1999
slug=anecdotes-and-jokes
name=Anecdotes and Jokes
description=Short stories and anecdotes intended for humor and laughter.
rangeEnd=1999
rangeStart=1200
[item.formula-tales]
code=2000-2399
slug=formula-tales
name=Formula Tales
description=Tales based on repetitive patterns or fixed formulas.
rangeEnd=2399
rangeStart=2000