When I was a child, there was nothing I enjoyed quite like reading fairytales. These stories of princesses and peasants and monsters and magic were so delightful to me, and I spent much of my time hanging out around Dewey number 398, which is of course Folklore. Even as an adult, I still love these sorts of stories, and even have quite an extensive collection of books on the topic in my personal collection. So, let’s explore this genre today!
What are Fairy Tales and Why Do We Like Them?
Fairy tales are classic children’s stories that feature magical lands and characters. Princes, princesses, wizards, trolls, dragons, and the like populate these stories which are designed to be entertaining, not too scary, and fun for children. These stories teach children that anything is possible, help to build their imaginations, and inspire good behavior, as characters discover that concepts such as cleverness, kindness, and loyalty are so important to helping them to complete their quests or even just to survive.
Readers enjoy fairy tales for a variety of reasons. One is that they are quite simply entertaining. They capture the imagination, transport us to a different world, and they’re generally safe and fun to share with children. Of course, fairy tales also remind us of our childhood and of simpler times. These quick, imaginative stories are usually wholesome, fun, and have a timeless appeal that makes them great for readers of all ages.
Fairy Tales vs. Folktales vs. Tall Tales
Fairy tales, folk tales, and even tall tales are often used interchangeably. But, what’s the difference, anyway? Let’s take a look!
While there are many ways of looking at this question, here’s how it was explained to me. Fairy tales were originally written down and published as works of fiction. While some of them came from oral tradition, we can generally trace them back to a single author who either collected them for the first time or wrote them outright (think the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen). Folktales come from oral tradition and were usually meant to either explain something or to teach a lesson. Folktales, for example, might explain why we have the seasons or why you shouldn’t go out into the woods alone.
But, wait! There’s more! Myths are religiously based. For example, the ancient Greeks really did believe in and worship Zeus, Artemis, Athena, and Poseidon. These weren’t just convenient characters trying to tell a story. Legends, on the other hand, are often treated as real, historical tales, but we have no proof of them actually happening, such as King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Fables are stories told strictly to teach a lesson (such as the writings of Aesop), and tall tales are fanciful exaggerations (sometimes of real people and events) that are meant to entertain. Eventually, I’d like to explore all of these topics in Genre Journeys.
Related Genres
If you enjoy fairy tales, here are a few more genres that have similar appeal:
- Fantasy: These stories also have elements of strange creatures, including monsters, elves, fairies, and more and are sometimes based on fairy tales
- Short Stories: If you’re not interested in a big book, then perhaps something short will appeal
- Adventure: Quests, swordfights, thrills, and excitement!
- Folktales: Similar types of stories, often featuring animals, people, monsters, and important lessons
Reading Recommendations
I’d like to start this list with a shoutout to my awesome fellow-blogger, Jessica, for her Folklore Fun series. I know I just explained that folk and fairy tales are technically different, but if you enjoy one, you’ll certainly enjoy the other! Jessica does an amazing job and I hope you find a lot here to love.
And in the meantime, here are some titles from me!
The Snow Queen (Hans Christian Andersen)
Kay and Gerda are best friends, but when a piece of a demon’s mirror falls into Kay’s eye and into his heart, his entire world view is changed for the worse. When Kay is lured from his home by the beautiful, cruel Snow Queen, Gerda sets out on an epic journey to rescue him. As she searches, she encounters a series of strangers to whom she relays her plight. Charmed by her story and her innocence, each of them helps Gerda, so that at last she is able to find the Snow Queen’s icy palace. But at the end of her epic journey, will Gerda manage to set Kay free?
Grimm’s Fairy Tales (Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm)
When fairy tales are brought up in discussion, the top two authors you always hear about are Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm collected various stories from the literature of their day, from friends and family, and from tales told to them as they journeyed across Germany, in their attempt to document and preserve the stories of their people. Many of the most famous classic tales that we know and love can be attributed to them, including “The Frog Prince”, “Tom Thumb”, and “Rapunzel”.
The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales (ed. Maria Tatar)
If you would like to delve a little bit deeper into your study of fairy tales, then perhaps you should consider this annotated collection, which is full of extra notes, details, and explanations to really bring the collection to life. Maria Tatar is a leading authority in the field of folklore and children’s literature, making her the perfect guide. Gathering together twenty-five of the most cherished fairy tales, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and “Bluebeard,” this collection is a great introduction to the great fairy tales. Few of us are aware of how much fairy tales have shaped our culture, but with an open mind and a little bit of cleverness and courage, we just mind find out in the pages of this beautiful book!
Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales (Lucy Cousins)
Sink your teeth into this hilariously illustrated collection of stories, collected and retold by Lucy Cousins. Eight classic stories take on new energy as Lucy Cousins ramps up her artwork. In this bold, funny, and unflinching collection, the beloved author-illustrator retains all the emotion and humor of the original fairy tales: the heroes are courageous, the villains are horrible, and the children are tasty. With her sly, simple language and vibrant illustrations, even the scariest fiends become the stuff of shared hilarity and shivery thrills.
The Gingerbread Man (Jim Aylesworth)
A new rendition of a beloved classic by award-winning author/illustrator team Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock. Run! Run! Fast as you can! You can’t catch me! I’m the Gingerbread Man! I’ve run from a husband! I’ve run from a wife! I’ve run from a butcher with a carving knife! I’ve run from a cow, and a muddy old sow, and I’ll run from you, too! I can! I can! Jim Aylesworth’s fresh, spirited tale and Barbara McClintock’s expressive, exquisitely drawn characters combine to create a glorious new rendition of the favorite story about that sassy but delicious little cookie.
