Many people think of fairytales as sweet, innocent, children's stories with the goal of teaching morals and manners to youngsters. However, not many individuals know of the dark, cynical tales that gave way to these censored, well known fairytales of today. It is thought that fairytales originated in Europe, many moons ago, before written language was a way of communication. While the exact place of origin is still highly contemplated, the knowledge that tales were orally passed down before they were written is almost fact. No one really knows what the purposes of fairytales originally were, but it's a good guess that they were tales to lead people in the right direction of daily life events that occurred during those times. For example, it is thought that Hansel and Gretel was originally told in order to quell children's fears of being kicked out of their home or eaten by in their parents in times of famine. It is assumed that Snow White is a tale passed down to comfort young girls who's fathers showed more than parental love towards them or whose stepmothers viewed them as a threat to compete with over a man's love and desire.
While many individuals know Walt Disney's "The Little Mermaid," few have heard of the darker, upsetting tale painted by Hans Christian Andersen.
Because Hans Christian Andersen is the creator of this tale (it has no oral predecessor) it is interesting to look at the similarities and differences between traditional oral folklore and Andersen's more modern "The Little Mermaid." Some examples follow:
While many individuals know Walt Disney's "The Little Mermaid," few have heard of the darker, upsetting tale painted by Hans Christian Andersen.
Because Hans Christian Andersen is the creator of this tale (it has no oral predecessor) it is interesting to look at the similarities and differences between traditional oral folklore and Andersen's more modern "The Little Mermaid." Some examples follow:
- Andersen tells the story from the youngest sisters point of view because traditional fairytales tend to focus on children, specifically younger siblings.
- In traditional mermaid fairytales, not all mermaids actually have a fish's tail. However, in Andersen's version, the tail is an essential detail.
- In Andersen's portrayal of the little mermaid, he describes her as a "strange child, quiet and thoughtful." This could be considered Andersen describing himself as a young boy.
- Andersen incorporates the stereotypes of mermaid, including the mermaid foreshadowing the shipwreck and her beautiful voice bringing sailors to their deaths.
- It is thought that the mermaid losing her voice is representative of Andersen's worry of his work not being recognized
- Andersen changes the traditional role of the mer-sisters. Instead of having them portray evil desires to capture the young sailors, they simply want to share their home with the sailors.
- Andersen also gives his main character the trait of curiosity, which most traditional fairytale heroin's lack.