We have all grown up with fairy tales and the lessons in these tales have (for the most part) not been lost on us. Little Red Riding Hood taught us not to trust strangers while Goldilocks taught us that housebreaking is a potentially dangerous career option. But what is the origin of these tales and were they created with the aim of warning children (and possibly adults) against the perils that wait outside the relative safety of the home? I tend to think so.
When we look at the concept of oral tradition, we see that fairy tales originated as a form of the retelling of the histories of cultures. In ancient Greece, the retelling of their history was a mix between fact and mythology which was recited to the public. Homer was the most famous poet of the time and his poems – such as the Odyssey – are still read today. These poems can be seen as the predecessors of our fairy tales, histories, folklore, ect. The Odyssey is one example which points to underlying lessons within the stories reproduced, such as “Don’t anger the gods”. In the fairy tales we know today, lessons within the stories become apparent as well.
When you start to research the origins fairy tales, you realise that these stories were not originally meant for children. Most of them are gruesome and very dark – which most kids would enjoy anyway – but with time some stories came to be tamed and the lessons were still of importance, so adults told these stories to their children.
I also believe that the fairy tales of old had another objective – to me it seems that fairy tales (like modern urban legends) reflects the society in which it originates. In some cultures, incest was quite rife among the “lower classes” which is clearly reflected in the original version of Sleeping Beauty.
In this version, it was prophesized that the princess will fall into a deep slumber. While the princess was in this state, the king rapes his daughter and she falls pregnant with twins. It is only when one of the children suckles her finger that she awakes to find herself in that situation. Perhaps the story served as a justification for what happened within these “lower classes” – after all, if the king does it, then there is nothing wrong with his subjects following suit.
Fairy tales have a rich history, a lesson to learn and enough underlying violence to keep the whole family entertained. Think on this the next time you are looking for something to read.
Blessings,
Mel
Sources:
Featured Image:
The Sleeping Beauty
The Hon. John Collier
Oil on canvas
1921
111.7 x 142.2cm
An insightful perspective I liked much and will help me with my course since i am reading the grimm's tales and on my task for writing the essay so really thank you :)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Auhood and best of luck with your essay! :)
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