Category Archives: Fairy Tales
Which Fairy Tale Is Your Favorite?
Most of us grew up exposed to fairy tales, at least to some degree. My childhood experience with these fanciful stories came less from Disney, and more from lovely volumes filled with a variety of fairy stories. Of course, I … Continue reading
Death and Resurrection: Patterns in Folklore and Fantasy
“The world is full of resurrections. Every night that folds us up in darkness is a death; and those of you that have been out early, and have seen the first of the dawn, will know it–the day rises out … Continue reading
Are Fairy Stories Only for the Young?
Sometimes I encounter the perception that fairy tales and fantasy belong to children and teens, and those of a more mature outlook want “realistic” fare. These adults say they want books that delve into real life issues, a perspective that … Continue reading
Does Hope Lead to Clichéd Fiction?
Most people desire a sense of hope, particularly in troubled times, and one place they get a glimpse of what hope means is through story. Edward Kitsis, one of the writers for Lost and producer for the upcoming ABC series … Continue reading
The Laidly Worm and Other
Loathly Ladies of Lore
Most people have at least passing familiarity with Beauty and the Beast, a tale that has inspired many a speculative novel, but not with the similar stories that involve a cursed woman, such as The Laidly (or Laidley) Worm. This … Continue reading
Of Fairy Tales, Fear, and Faith
In light of recent discussions I’ve witnessed on the impact of fiction, I’d like to share a little something from GK Chesterton on fairy story: “Fairy tales, then, are not responsible for producing in children fear, or any of the … Continue reading
Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl:
A Review
Story Overview (Back Cover Copy) Rose Red trusts no one with her secret. She hides in the forest, her face veiled in rags, shunning the company of all save her old father and her nanny goat. Her life is bleak … Continue reading
Family Devotion in Fantasy
As I discussed Friday, more often than not, in fairy tales as well as their close kindred, fantasy novels, family affairs are troubled–or family members absent altogether. Yet some fantasy novels beautifully depict family relationships, and the positive functions of … Continue reading
Fairy Tale Fathers and Their Failings
Through the years, fairy tales have provided commentary on marriage, family life, social mores, and more. Often deceptively simple, these stories illustrate patterns observed in life, few more distressing than that of the fractured family. A review of well-known stories … Continue reading
Beauty for the Beast
I have a strong affinity for the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast in its many forms, as I’ve chronicled elsewhere. So I was pleased to read this quote by Chesterton highlighting a significant component of this timeless tale: It … Continue reading