I’m not really a fan of the fairy tales I read as a child – the European Grimm’s fairy tales being the majority of the genre from what I’ve experienced. Generally I find them problematic and upsetting, particularly if you look at the originals (like how in Cinderella the step sisters actually hacked off parts of their feet to try to fit into the glass slipper – yikes). I don’t love the stories, I didn’t really value them that much as a kid, and I don’t read them to my own kid unless I really have to, like for homework or something. So I don’t really have a favourite, but I guess I would say that now, as an adult, if I had to read fairy tales I’d prefer the original versions, with all their darkness and disturbed content. At least that’s a bit more realistic. But seriously, why are the chicks in these things usually passed out? Is that really the ideal state for women? Miss me with that.
I feel like there were some First Nation legends I’ve heard over the years that I did like – but I have only vague recollections of them. I do recall finding them more in line with my views of the place of humans in the world, and how we should relate to nature and one another. But again, really limited memories.
I’d be interested to hear from those of you who come from a different cultural background to my European one. I feel like this is one area where the fairy tales and legends from different cultures will be fascinating to look at as repositories for cultural priorities, paradigms and social construct. Can you recommend some that are more interesting, have better representation of social roles and aren’t so deeply depraved?
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Well, there’s a whole line of blather about Mythic Truth as distinct from Prosaic Teaching Stories, which is why the bald, bare, literally plausible story I picked is not a Real Fairy Tale. But who says anyone has to like their truth “mythic”?
I have no idea about either of those terms, but then I’m not really one for this area of storytelling, so who knows! I feel like they normally have some sort of moral or lesson to them, but that’s all I know!
I had real trouble answering this one, too. Unfortunately, I don’t have any good suggestions for other sorts of fairy tales.
I hear ya. I don’t think it’s the genre for me!