Some classic fairy tales of today – many of which have been immortalized by Disney on the big screen – have their roots in ancient history. A timeline of fairy tales reveals that a myth similar to Beauty and the Beast originated in the second century A.D., and that many ancient tales from then on into the 19th century were the basis for modern day fairy tales.
Most fairy tales are thought to have begun as oral folk tales before being recorded. Details in fairy tales vary by the cultural aspects of their origin, taking on the styles and depictions that are popular in their country or culture. They often take on the morals of the time, and are meant to teach lessons or explain customs or history.
Many fairy tales were originally intended for adults, and only later associated with children. Older versions of fairy tales are often more violent and scary and have been toned down to be more acceptable and marketable to children.
Classic fairy tales have evolved and changed over time, with details added or changed in different cultures. For example, there are hundreds of versions of the Cinderella story – a girl who is treated poorly by her stepfamily, has an absent father, and a kind guardian. Even old versions use the shoe – or sometimes another article of clothing – as an item that causes the woman to be recognized as a princess.
The earliest version of Cinderella was recorded in China in the ninth century A.D., but the writing suggests that the story was already well known before it was put in writing. The heroine in this version has a magical fish instead of a fairy god mother, and a golden shoe that helps her prince to identify her. The story is also recorded in a French version by Charles Perrault from the 17th century. In this version, details like the pumpkin carriage, animal servants, and the glass slipper appeared. Another well known version of the Cinderella story is the Grimm Brothers' Ash Girl. In this version, magical animals come from an ash tree planted on the grave of her mother.
Snow White is another tale that has been circulated for centuries in various parts of Europe. It is thought to have originated in Asia, around the time of the Middle Ages. In some versions of the story, the mirror is replaced with the sun or moon and the dwarfs are robbers or dragons. One of the most popular versions is the Grimm Brothers tale, published in the 19th century.
Another classic fairy tale is Sleeping Beauty. Some believe that the story of Sleeping Beauty represents maturity or coming of age. In the Charles Perrault version of Sleeping Beauty, published in 1697 in Mother Goose Tales, the princess was cursed at her christening by an angry fairy.
There are many sources online to find out more about the history of fairy tales, such as Theosophy Northwest and SurLaLune. Some of the most commonly known modern versions of fairy tales are those published by Charles Perrault and the Grimm Brothers, many of which can be read online.