Today is Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Apparently, we’ve been celebrating fairy tales on 26th February since the early 1900s. Who wouldn’t want to have a day to appreciate some of the oldest stories that invoke innocent memories from our childhood when we were mesmerised by fantastical tales of magic, talking animals, mystical settings, adventure and a quick moral lesson, too?
The Oldest Fairy Tale
Fairy tales are often our first encounters with a structured story but are dismissed as nothing more than frivolous short fiction. However, fairy tales are so much more. Why should the enjoyment of fairy tales be limited to children?
Fairy tales are a distinct genre within the broader genre of folklore tales. As such, they have grown from the oral tradition of telling stories thousands of years before they were written. This allows for the many variations of similar themes and cultural interpretations which make up the vast body of fairy tales we have today.
There is much debate about which was the first fairy tale. One story that is frequently listed as the original fairy tale is The Smith and the Devil. According to Ancient Pages, the story has been told in over 35 languages for millennia but was first written in 1000 BCE. The simple plot revolves around a blacksmith who makes a deal with the devil, trading his soul for magical powers which he then uses to entrap the evil creature who gave him those powers. Later tales of Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast also contain similar themes.
How to Tell a Fairy Tale
What makes a fairy tale a fairy tale? The genre is enormous with endless variation. However, most fairy tales feature some common elements.
- The Opening
The line, “Once upon a time…” has become synonymous with fairy tales, despite not a single Grimm fairy tale using that line. This formulaic opening line is spellbinding, and we know we are going to be transported into a magical world.
- Defined Characters
There’s no time for subtlety in a fairy tale. Here, the characters are complex but straight to the point—be they the evil stepmother or the stylish cat strutting down the street in tall boots. As children tend to see things in black and white, most characters are good or evil. Few are neutral or morally grey.
- Magical Settings
It’s not just the fanciful cast of witches, giants and talking animals that make a fairy tale magical. Fairy tales are set in a mythical land where the normal rules of science in our boring world don’t apply. Where else could magic beans grow into a stalk that reaches into the clouds? Anything is possible in the land of fairy tales.
- Conflict
Like any story, a fairy tale needs a central conflict or why would we care what happens? Because the characters are simple, the conflict needs to be intense to keep us enthralled. In fairy tales, we have bullying to the extent of torture, and big bad wolves who terrorise little pigs. Again, there’s no time for a subtle build of tension.
- Moral Lessons
If you’re going to tell a story for children, why not create something they can learn from, too? Fairy tales usually communicate a moral lesson, be it “be careful what you wish for”, or “don’t be lazy”.
- Happy Endings
The climax and resolution of a fairy tale tend to result in the happiness and fulfilment of the main characters. These stories are designed for children, and no child wants their hero or heroine to have a tragic ending, only a “happily ever after” will do.
My Favourite Fairy Tale
I would have loved to have written an original fairy tale for this post, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time. Instead, for Tell a Fairy Tale Day I will reveal that my favourite fairy tale is The Elves and the Shoemaker. I had a Ladybird “well-loved tales” copy, and I, too, loved it as a child. There’s no downtrodden heroine who finds Prince Charming. No, this is the tale of the shoemaker facing destitution until two elves visit his workshop at night and help him transform his failing business. As thanks, he and his wife make them some tiny clothes which are greatly received.
Why did I like this so much? I guess I just thought it was nice that the elves noticed when someone needed help. Oh, and I adored the miniature clothes and shoes.
I have two boys, and I read them Ladybird fairy tales at bedtime when they were small. Their favourite was The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Our copy is more than dog-eared, but I’ve kept it for them in case they want to pass it on to future generations. And so, our tradition of telling bedtime fairy tales may continue…
What’s your favourite fairy tale?
You definitely can’t beat a good fairytale loved them all