C FAIRY TALES “Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” G.K. Chesterton

Fairy Tale: a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands. story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending

Fairy Tales In fairy tales the purpose is training a child in the ways or wrong and right Involves magical, fantastic, or wonderful events Narratives not believed to be true, in a timeless setting (Once upon a time), and in generic unspecified places ( the woods). They function to entertain, enlighten and inspire. In fairy tales, the hero normally humans goes on a quest that by the end is solved by magic. The brothers Grimm first categorized fairy tales

Tales have existed for thousands of years No one can pin point exactly when most tales started (there are a few exceptions) Originally told orally Only literary versions survive Most are a “version” of what was told the generation before and are much different than the original story Usually involve magic of some kind Some are commonly known and have been sensationalized by Walt Disney, Many are not as popular; you can find at least one from every culture More to know about Fairy Tales

Elements of a Fairy Tale Setting: Time and place are usually non descript Characters: Usually very simple and divided into the good and the bad. Plot: Movement of plot is usually from powerless to power; poverty to wealth. Animals: Often have human-like characteristics; talk, wear clothing, etc. Stock Openings and Closings: Most open with “once upon a time” and end with “happily ever after”. Formulas: Use threes or sevens Descriptions: They don’t go into detailed descriptions but use one word to describe: wicked stepmother, brave tailor Tricksters: Stories contain a trickster, usually an animal and unlike the main character of either good or evil they are a mixture of good and bad

Grimm Brothers Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm gathered 49 fairy tales from oral and written sources Transformed the tales into literary creations

Fairytale analysis Poor Unfortunate Souls--The Little Mermaid (1989) Under the Sea-- The Little Mermaid (1989) Be Our Guest-- Beauty and the Beast (1992) Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo-- Cinderella (1950)