Traditional Folk or Fairy Tale

Traditional Folk or Fairy Tale Various Versions of "Sleeping Beauty" There are several different versions of the fairy tale classic "Sleeping Beauty." Three main versions, including a version entitles "Sun, Moon, and Talia" associated with Giambattista Basile, the Grimm Brother's "Little Brier-Rose," and the Walt Disney Classic film based on Charles Perrault's version. All three incorporate different aspects with common characteristics, showing the evolution of the story through generations of oral and written tradition.

These three versions all have different aspects which make each version unique to the author and time period from which it was created. Basile's version "Sun, Moon, and Talia" is the most unique of all three being discussed. This version incorporates no evil witches or curses, but a mere prophecy which tells of the fate of young Talia, the Sleeping Beauty. The prince who eventually marries her does not save her from her sleeping state, but rather impregnates her while she sleeps.

It is her children, the products of this illicit union, which eventually pull her out of her slumber. This version also incorporates a plot line resembling Greek mythology, the wife of the King who falls in love with Talia attempts to feed his children to him and murder Talia. She is eventually found out and killed, leaving Talia and her new family to live "happily ever after." On the other hand, the version found in the Grimm Brother's collection, is much more familiar to American audiences.

This version, however has its own differences from the other two. The curse comes not from an evil witch, but from a jealous fairy. Brier-Rose, who is the Sleeping Beauty who is only fifteen in this version, is guarded by a patch of thorns which causes the death of many princes who attempt to save her from her slumber. Once the prince who was destined for Brier-Rose does attempt to save her, he faces neither fight nor danger.

The hedge of thorns turns to flowers and he is allowed to save her with true love's kiss. The Walt Disney version of the tale also has its own unique quirks. In this version, an evil witch curses Aurora, the name of this Sleeping Beauty, out of hatred for her father's humble and good kingdom. Here, Aurora is whisked away and hidden from the evil witch; however, Prince Phillip stumbles upon her, and without knowing that he is actually engaged to her falls in love with the young beauty.

After she pricks her finger, Prince Phillip must fight and defeat the evil witch and the dragon which guards Aurora. Eventually he reaches her, and believing that she is dead he kisses her one last time. This awakens her and they live "happily ever after." Despite their differences, these versions do also have aspects in common. In each tale, it is true love which saves Sleeping Beauty from her slumber.

After she is revived, she marries her prince charming and lives "happily ever after." All three versions also tell of Sleeping Beauty as the long awaited only child of a loving king. In the "Sun, Moon, and Talia" as well as the Walt Disney version, Sleeping Beauty is sixteen when she falls into her slumber. These similarities show the importance of certain social conceptions concerning patience and the value of true love. Resources for Further Reading Bettelheim, Bruno. The Uses of Enchantment. Penguin Psychology. 1991.

A new look at classic Fairy Tales, Bettelheim explores these tales and how the educate and liberate the minds of children everywhere. This work looks at the hidden psychology found within many commonly known fairy tales such as "Sleeping Beauty" as well as other classics such as "Little Red Riding Hood." Geis, Darlene ed. Walt Disney's Treasury of Children's Classics. Harry N. Abrams Inc. Publishing. 1978. This collection includes many of Walt Disney's classic films in shorter story forms.

It includes actual scenes from the animated movies along with inside information on the making of the films and the origin of the tales explored. This is a children's book, which gives adult readers both extra insight into old classics and memories of how they felt about these tales as children. Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales. Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library. 1974. This is the collection of over.