Once upon a time

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From wicked queens and beautiful princesses to elves, monsters, and magic mirrors, the enchanting characters and imagery of fairy tales have captivated audiences for centuries. These timeless stories have transcended cultural boundaries, evolving with each retelling. Few literary forms possess the power to ignite our imagination like fairy tales. But what defines a fairy tale? Where do they originate, and what messages do they convey about morality, sexuality, and society? The history of fairy tales is intertwined with folklore and myth, drawing inspiration from nature, the supernatural, psychoanalysis, and feminism. Marina Warner, a lifelong admirer of these tales, delves into their various forms across time and media. She examines the evolution of fairy tales from the Victorian and Edwardian eras to contemporary children's literature. Warner presents a dazzling array of examples, including classics like Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid, alongside modern adaptations such as Disney's Snow White and gothic interpretations like Pan's Labyrinth. In ten concise chapters, she explores the rich diversity of fairy tales, defining the genre and evaluating its significance as a vital repository of human understanding and culture.