Fun Facts
About
Fairy Tales
Fun Facts About Fairy Tales
What is a fairy tale?
A fairy tale is a type of story that originated in the oral tradition. These are stories that have been passed down for generations in every culture around the world. Fairy tales are part of the larger genre of folklore that includes folktales, legends and myths . Even though the name suggests it, fairy tales do not always have fairies in them, but they do usually contain some type of magical element.
What are the elements
of a fairy tale?
Like any good story, a fairy tale must have a beginning, a middle and an end. Frequently, fairy tales begin with "Once upon a time" and end with "and they lived happily ever after." Fairy tale settings usually take place in a palace or castle, a forest, or a town. There is usually one good character and one bad or evil character. The evil character presents a problem that the good character must overcome, often by the use of magic.
What is a "Fractured" Fairy Tale?
Fractured fairy tales contain a similar plot to the original tale, but with a humorous twist. Often the setting, characters or resolution are changed in unexpected or funny ways. Some great examples of fractured fairy tales are:
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, by Jon Scieszka
- The Horned Toad Prince, by Jackie Mims Hopkins
- Joe Cinders, by Marianne Mitchell
- Tangled, the animated movie from Walt Disney studios
Read and listen to some of your favorite
fairy tales online: