What distinguishes animal folk tales from other types of folk narratives?

Animal folk tales are indeed distinguished by their use of anthropomorphic animal characters who embody human traits and behaviors. This characteristic allows these stories to explore complex themes, moral lessons, and social commentary through the actions and personalities of the animals, making the narratives relatable and engaging for audiences of all ages. The anthropomorphism of animals helps to convey messages and lessons in a way that appeals to both children and adults, fostering a connection between the audience and the characters.

Other aspects of animal folk tales can include moral lessons or cultural insights, but the defining feature is the portrayal of animals as characters that think, speak, and act like humans, which sets them apart from other folk narratives. While some folk tales may be set in historical contexts or aimed at specific age groups, these elements do not universally apply across all folk narratives, whereas the anthropomorphic quality is a consistent trait of animal folk tales.