The story of Rip Van Winkle is a German folk tale. It contains the use of supernatural, and various encounters made with the townspeople. The story also portrays Rip Van Winkle as a hero in the end. But since the tale displays all these characteristics of what a folk should be, it is a prime example of one. A folk tale is a term used to describe narrative literature found in spoken traditions of the world. They are told and heard but are subjected to various distortions when they are retold. However, one of the distinguishing characteristics of a folk tales is how is spread and passed down from one generation to the next.
             The character of Rip Van Winkle is one with a mild disposition and rather indolent. This seems to have frustrated his wife, Dame Van Winkle. She became hostile towards him because he did not want to take care of the farm. With this Rip Van Winkle had loss all hope. His only outlet was to escape from the labor of the farm and his wife. This was the start of his long, endless journey.
             Two of the elements in folklore is the use of supernatural and journey. Rip went on an adventure to the Kaatskill Mountains. Along his journey he encountered some strange things especially meeting up with the supernatural. These two elements, the journey and the supernatural tie in together. Washington Irving displayed this when Rip encountered a ghost and the images of Henry Hudson's crew.
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