How many stanzas does a typical ballade contain?

A typical ballade is characterized by its structured form, which conventionally consists of three main stanzas followed by an envoi. Each of the three stanzas is usually of the same length and follows a consistent rhyme scheme. The envoi, which is a shorter stanza at the end, serves to summarize or finalize the themes presented in the preceding stanzas. This structure allows for a cohesive narrative or emotional arc throughout the piece, making three stanzas the standard form in ballade composition. Therefore, the answer reflects a fundamental understanding of the traditional structure of this poetic form.