History, Content, and Structure1.

The name “fairy tale” comes from 1697 French term “contes des fées,” meaning “tales of the fairies.”

Although termed in 1697, most stories were passed through an oral tradition.

Definition varies, but fairy tales are a form of folklore, which consists of stories of a culture, subculture, or group. It is the content of a fairy tale that gives it

its definitive characteristics (more on this in a minute)

A popular belief is that fairy tales were mainly told to children.

Originally told amongst adults only after dark and bed-time because they would scare kids.

Eventually, tales began to become lessons for children.

Magic quests or a sense of enchanting things that go beyond reality.

Fairies, princes, princesses, ogres, giants, dragons, trolls, stepmothers, godmothers, horses, foxes, birds, frogs, geese, and other “magic helpers.”

Fairy tales usually reveal social or cultural values in their themes and lessons.

Use anthropomorphism: completely personifying an animal, object, etc.

Use symbolism often, too.

First: Confrontation/Conflict: Protagonist faces an obstacle

Leaving home Wicked family

member Weakness or

humiliation Poverty Loss of parents

Second: Transformation/Testing

The character has a transformation or is tested in some way.

These tend to happen in three’s or through repetition.

Third: “Fairy Tale Ending”

The character is rewarded with fortune, fame, love, marriage, eternal life, survival, revenge, or some other blessing.

The lesson and cultural belief is usually revealed through this reward.