Wolves

Wolves are commonly portrayed as the antagonists in fairy tales.  The term "the Big Bad Wolf" is so commonly known, many movies and even songs have been named after those exact four words.  Ah, wolves.  Poor Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother got swallowed by one.  Many poor defenseless sheep have falled prey to their voracious appetites (esp. in Aesop's fables).  And please, don't even get me started about the Three Little Pigs.

But are wolves really all that bad?  Surely everyone has heard of the 1989 children's book, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, among other inversions of the famous tale.  But really, isn't it a bit unfair that only wolves are being delineated in such a negative manner?  In real life, wolves are loyal pack animals.  In fairy tales, they're evil, lonesome villains that froth at the mouth at the mere sight of a tasty treat.

So what do you guys think?  Why are wolves considered to be such terrible personalities in mythical tales?  (Extra:  Consider the werewolf in popular culture; why the werewolf?  Why not some other animal?)

Fairies in Fairy Tales

Stories with fairies (dubbed "fairylore") are very popular in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.  It is undeniable that fairies have played an important role in many memorable fairy tales and folklores.  Be it the fairy godmother in Cinderella or Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream, these characters are loved for their magical abilities and often mischievious natures. 

Fairies are often beautiful, tiny creatures with a pair of transluscent wings on their back.  Some fairies are spritely pixies like Tinkerbell from Peter Pan that often leave a trail of pixie dust behind them when they fly around.  Fairies are usually not the main character in a story; instead, they are important supporting roles that affect the plot immensely with their magic.  Expect fairies to know a few interesting charms and spells!

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But it's obvious that fairy tales aren't always about fairies, so why are they called "fairy tales"?  The history of the title goes back a long time.

In 17th century France, such magical stories were very popular.  However, the tales were written for adults!  The fairy tales we know today are actually simplified versions of the literary works by a group of Parisian authors.  These Parisian authors called these literary works "les contes de fées", which translates to the term we all know: fairy tales.

Who is your favourite fairy?

-Vociferously yours, Vicky.

Questions

Now before I actually begin blogging, I would like to ask my prospective audience a few questions regarding my topic (fairy tales).  Please take your time to think deeply about the following prompts and do make an effort to respond to them, be it in your head or via the comment button.  @IT classmates especially:  Comments would be very much appreciated!

1. How useful are fairy tales in teaching children morale and life lessons?
2. Think about your favourite fairy tale. What makes that one the one you like best?
3. Is there a definite difference between fairy tales, folktales, and fables?
4. Was it right for Jack to climb the beanstalk? For Gretel to save Hansel by killing the witch?
5. Are fairy tales actually sending a positive message to children? Consider how Cinderella snuck out late at night, how Snow White took food from a stranger and married someone she didn't even know, etc.

Thank you!

-Vociferously yours, Vicky.

An Introduction

Hello everyone, and welcome to my new blog!  My name is Vicky, and I'm here to talk about fairy tales.  No, I will not go on drabbling about each and every single fairy tale that existed in the world since the beginning of time.  No, I will not be doing deep analyses on the elements of good and evil or commenting on how stylistic elements of the late Classical - early Romantic era have influenced the stories of the Brothers Grimm.  And no, I will not be talking about cheese.  But that's self explanatory, right?




Instead, expect insightful articles on details in popular stories that are often overlooked.  Expect to read eyebrow-raising theories that will question the purpose of fairy tales as a whole.  Most importantly, expect to have fun.

A lot of fairy tales are often neglected these days in favour of vampire novels and sappy teenage love stories.  I created this blog to bring fairytales back into the spotlight.  So sit back, relax...And don't forgot to comment at the end!

-Vociferously yours, Vicky.

P.S.  Read my other blog, Vociferous Vicky!