The Origins of Fairytales — Unveiling the Timeless Meanings of Fairytales
Has Awkwfina’s rap number as Scuttle in The Little Mermaid teaser lowered your expectations for the release? Or was it the realism of our beloved Flounder and Sebastian that just didn’t sit right with you? No matter the controversial memes that have been floating since the trailer dropped, if the change in the colour of Ariel’s skin has not upset you, then I am certain Lin Maneul Miranda will not disappoint.
Fairy tales have captivated audiences for centuries, transcending time and culture with their enchanting narratives. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the origins, themes, symbolism, adaptations, and contemporary relevance of fairy tales. From their ancient roots to their enduring impact, we delve into the magical realm where heroes and heroines, accompanied by enchanting creatures, embark on extraordinary journeys of self-discovery and triumph over adversity.
Ancient Origins
Fairy tales have a rich history dating back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. They originated as stories that conveyed shared morals and values, and were often intertwined with mythologies and legends of the respective cultures. These tales served as a means to preserve cultural heritage and impart important moral lessons to the listeners and readers. As time passed, fairy tales evolved and became more elaborate, incorporating elements of adventure, romance, and magic. This transformation allowed them to captivate audiences, both orally and through written form, by weaving enchanting narratives that continue to resonate today.
Empowering Icons
Which Disney Princess are you? Are you brave like Mulan? Hardworking like Tiana? Spirited like Rapunzel? The admirable traits our favourite characters uphold have been ingrained within fairy tales since its very beginning. The timeless souls of fairy tales are precisely that: timeless. Fairy tales have skilfully woven themes of bravery, kindness, perseverance, honesty, and the consequences of one’s actions into their narratives. These universal values are intricately portrayed through relatable characters and creatively constructed settings, making them accessible and relevant to readers of all ages. Through the trials and triumphs of heroes and heroines, fairy tales inspire generations by showcasing the rewards of noble virtues and the pitfalls of negative behaviours. Whether it’s the courage to face fears, the power of compassion, or the importance of staying true to oneself, these tales impart valuable life lessons that resonate deeply with audiences, transcending time and culture.
Double Meanings
Within the realm of literature, including fairy tales, lies a profound depth of meaning that transcends the surface narrative. These tales often employ symbolism as a powerful tool to convey hidden truths and profound insights. Each word carefully chosen by the writer serves as a vessel for the portrayal of internal struggles, unspoken desires, and haunting fears. Symbolism, whether through objects, characters, or events, adds layers of richness and complexity to the stories, inviting readers to explore the depths of the human experience. It allows the writer to communicate universal themes and emotions in a way that resonates with readers, creating a profound and lasting impact.
Dark settings in Maleficent’s tale reflect underlying fears of an uncertain future, while Disney’s iconic castles symbolise the yearning for aspirations. These symbolic elements not only resonate with individuals but also reflect the political and religious issues of their respective times, offering insights into public opinion and cultural perspectives. A few movies where these themes are meticulously expressed are Fox’s Anastasia, acknowledging the real-life Russian princess who was deserted, and Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, illustrating the triumph of building the actual cathedral.
Echoes of Tradition
In the same sense where you and your friends just keep reiterating the drama that happened in high school years ago, oral tradition is an extremely significant aspect to keeping fairy tales alive. Before the advent of widespread literacy and the availability of written texts, the responsibility of preserving and disseminating fairy tales fell upon the shoulders of skilled storytellers. These revered individuals employed mnemonic devices, repetition, and rhymes to aid in memorisation and ensure the stories endured through generations.
However, it was the notable authors such as the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, Giambattista Basile, and Madame d’Aulnoy who played a pivotal role in popularising and immortalising fairy tales. Through their dedicated efforts, they collected, refined, and shared these beloved narratives, breathing new life into ancient stories. Their timeless retellings and creative adaptations infused the genre with personal growth, themes of love, and enchanting elements, captivating readers of all ages and cementing the enduring power of fairy tales in our collective imagination.
Evolving Narratives
In the current era, our generation is actively discarding problematic traditions and customs that no longer align with evolving societal values. This cultural shift has also influenced the reimagining and adaptation of literature and theatre, including fairy tales. As we strive for inclusivity, diversity, and representation, these stories have been revisited and transformed to reflect a more inclusive worldview. The evolution of culture and media has played a significant role in this process, allowing for fresh interpretations that challenge stereotypes, embrace different perspectives, and promote social progress. By recontextualising familiar tales and infusing them with contemporary sensibilities, we create narratives that resonate with modern audiences and contribute to a more inclusive and reflective literary landscape.
A significant stereotype would be the ‘strong, handsome man who saves the girl’, that was successfully rewritten in the live version of Aladdin. The independent breakthrough of Jasmine that shined through her song ‘Speechless’ signifies the contrast from having to seduce Jafaar to escape in the 1992 animated version. The most recent development would of course be the introduction of Halle Bailey, a black actress, who is playing Ariel in the live action Little Mermaid. As far as we have come, people still have to fight for their life on Twitter defending their outdated views with reasons such as the lack of melanin under the ocean, when the princess is quite literally half a fish.
Fairy tales, with their enduring magic and timeless themes, hold a special place in our hearts and cultural fabric. From their ancient origins to their contemporary adaptations, these tales continue to inspire, teach valuable lessons, and ignite the imagination. As we navigate a rapidly changing world, let us remember the words of Snow White: “Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.” Embrace the enchantment and wisdom of fairy tales, for they carry the power to transport us to magical realms and illuminate our own life journeys.
[Written by: Nurul Yasmine. Edited by: Teoh Jin]
