Folktales represent particular cultural attitudes based on location, time period, and external and internal influences. Cultural identity traits appear through the storytellers, who emphasize these traits to continue cultural traditions. The folktales and poetry studied in this thesis show how various themes work together to form the Cajun and Creole cultures. The themes of occupation, music and dance, and values; religion, myth, and folk beliefs; history, violence, and language problems are examined separately to show aspects of Cajun and Creole cultures. Secondary sources provide cultural information to illustrate the attitudes depicted in the folktales and poetry.