Tag Archives: Fairy Tale Facts

Fairy Tale Facts: The Princess Who Never Smiled

For today’s installment of Fairy Tale Facts, we’re headed for a different part of the world. Specifically, Russia. Between 1855 and 1863, Russian writer Alexander Afanasyev collected and published over 600 Russian fairy tales and folk tales. This is tale number 297, and if you’re interested, you can read the whole thing here.

Fairy Tale Facts: The Nightingale

By 1843, Hans Christian Andersen was a well known writer. His 1837 publication of “The Little Mermaid” had thrust him into the international spotlight. His 1843 collection, the first volume of “New Fairy Tales”, included yet another popular tale, “The Nightingale.” Despite being less well known today, “The Nightingale” is actually a story I’ve knownContinue reading “Fairy Tale Facts: The Nightingale”

Fairy Tale Facts: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Once upon a time, there was a old lady (or maybe it was a little girl) who found a house in the woods that belonged to three bachelor bears (or maybe it was a family of bears?). That’s right, today we’re taking about Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

Evolution of Fairy Tales: Aladdin

Yeah, I don’t really remember how I usually open these things. I guess we’ll just jump right in! Aladdin! The Arabian folktale made famous by Disney’s 1992 animated movie (and the comic genius, Robin Williams, who voiced the genie). The remake came out last weekend and one of my friends asked me to do anContinue reading “Evolution of Fairy Tales: Aladdin”

Fairy Tale Facts: Puss in Boots

Animal helpers have always been popular in fairy tales. Cinderella had some helpful birds (or mice, depending on the version). Many heroes encounter animals in peril and are rewarded for helping them. But perhaps the most famous animal helper is Puss in Boots. There are numerous versions of the Puss in Boots fairy tale. TheContinue reading “Fairy Tale Facts: Puss in Boots”