Welcome to the Fairytale Fridays archive!

Every Friday, I post a short (well, sort of short) fairytale on my journal, along with some discussion of the origins and symbolism of the story. I'm going to try to post some well-known and some obscure fairytales, but really, it'll just be whatever happens to take my fancy that week.

Why fairytales? To me, fairytales are really the core of each story. Ever heard of the Seven Basic Plots? I think they're best illustrated in the fairytale and, to a lesser extent, in folktales and fables. These stories show us archetypes every writer should recognise; they address--sometimes exemplifying, sometimes vilifying--most parts of human nature, from the most noble to the most base; and they have a sort of fascination to them. Despite the popular adage, good doesn't always win in fairytale land.

A few of the tales listed here are not technically fairy tales but legends. What’s the difference? Well, quite a lot. For a brief overview, see here.

I'll be looking at stories from a variety of sources; if you have any suggestions, please feel free to email me.




TALES FROM THE UK:

  • IRELAND
  • SCOTLAND:



TALES FROM EUROPE:

  • FRANCE
The White Cat (d'Aulnoy)
  • GERMANY:

Mother Holle, Mother Holle: Commentary 

The Maiden of Brakel, The Maiden of Brakel: Commentary

Clever Gretel

 

  • ITALY

Sun, Moon, and Talia (Basile) 

  • POLAND:
 
  • RUSSIA 
 
 
 
 


TALES FROM ASIA:

  • CHINA:
 
  • INDIA
 
  • JAPAN