Welcome, everyone!
“When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.”
~
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I don’t know about you but I haven’t outgrown fairy tales. I still love them. Did you know that fairy tales were originally written for adults?
Once upon a time, long before Gus Gus and Prince Charming, fairy tales were brimming with murder and torture. True love’s kiss and happily ever afters were child’s play for the writers that came before Walt Disney. Giambattista Basile, Hans Christian Andersen, J.M. Barrie and the Grimm Brothers much preferred a haunting tale over a romantic one, but a few of their most harrowing details have been lost in translation. Do you know Cinderella‘s wicked secret? How did Sleeping Beauty really wake up, and what’s the price for the Little Mermaid‘s legs? What happened to Snow White‘s evil queen? Do you know why Peter Pan‘s Lost Boys never grew up?
What are the differences between myth, legend, fairy tale & fable?
Myths: narratives about immortal or supernatural protagonists.
Legends: narratives about extraordinary protagonists.
Fairy Tales: narratives about ordinary protagonists.
Fables: narratives with animal protagonists which convey a moral.
Did you know that the first known version of Cinderella was written in China? A.D. 850-860, China
Check out this brief history of fairy Tales
Did you know that the Brothers Grimm weren’t the authors of the fairy tales they’re known for? Instead they were scholars who wanted to save the classic German versions of these stories. Read this interesting article to find out more.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, today’s poem was inspired by Fairy Tales. I’m trying a new form called Etheree.
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Snow White by illustrator Selene Regener (Selenada – DeviantArt)
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Snow White
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Sweet
to tongue
sound to eye
luscious apple
in sinister palm
will satisfy sweet-tooth
blushing fruit in hand she took
taking one bite she savored it
poison traveled through its fragile prey
she fell with tingling cheeks and finger tips
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Magic Forest by illustrator Selene Regener (Selenada – DeviantArt)
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Color and Creepy are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
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The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q 
I love fairy tales as well, Vashti. Great poem and two fabulous quotes as well (I’ve been old enough for fairy tales for a long time!)
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I’m so happy you enjoyed the post, Olga. Thank you. Me too! 😉 xx
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Love fairy tales! Once, I got older and started researching them it made them all the more interesting and I found out nursery rhymes were just as bad! It’s like the colorful singing versions had a sinister cousin no one knew about. 😉 The poem was awesome, thank you for sharing!
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I too have done research on these stories and have been shocked by some of the things Walt Disney left out. For instance, one of Cinderella’s sisters cut her toes off in order to fit her foot in the glass slipper. 😮 That’s crazy! Ha, ha. I’m glad you liked the poem. Thank you, my friend! 😀 xx
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Lovely salute to Snow White. One of the interesting parts of having young children is getting in touch with fairy tales again. Even in my elderly years, I still love to watch movies based on these stories of old. 🙂
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You’re so right, Olga. As a writer of fantasy I’ve always been in touch with my inner child and have always loved fairy tales. Even now, my stories are a mixture of fantasy, mythology, folklore and fairy tale. 😉 xx
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Thanks for sharing interesting info about fairy tales Vashti, they have always fascinated me…how wild was the imagination of those who created characters, which have universal appeal for ages! Some of them are actually meant for adults as I could never read Snow white, Hansel and Gretal and Cinderella to my grandchildren, scared of the questions they would ask!
Lovely poem.
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You’re welcome, Balroop. Creative indeed, it’s what all fiction writers aspire to I think. And those are probably the Disney versions. The original versions are much darker and in some cases gory. Thank you!
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You handled this new format, very well. I’ll bet Snow White gave many a young girl something to think about. Eat an apple, fall asleep, meet a Prince!
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Ha, ha! I guess that is the story’s message. Not a very empowering one.
I’m going to have to revisit some of these fairy tales and rewrite them to empower girls. 😉 xx Thank you!
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Now, THAT is quite the writing assignment and if anyone can handle it, I am betting on YOU! ❤
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Aww, thanks for the confidence. I appreciate you. ❤ xx
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A fabulous introduction to your poem, Vashti. This is what I live for… the fantasy, the myth, the horror of reality. You told the story of Snow White with your Etheree superbly! I used the word “color” for you. Excellent prose and poetry. I loved this! ❤
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I’m honored that you chose the word “color” for me, Colleen! That’s so lovely! I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Thank you, my friend. ❤ xx
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You’re welcome. 🧡🧡🧡
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Reblogged this on Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer and commented:
Vashti has written a superb Etheree Poem. Pay special attention to the myths and fairytale links. This post is filled with magic! Enjoy. ❤
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Thanks for the reblog! ❤
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Great maths and fairytale info! Loved it! ❤️
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Is snow white eve from the garden?
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Hi Kathy! No. In the fairy tale “Snow White” the witch disguises as an old woman and gives the young girl (Snow White) a poisoned apple. You know the story, girl! 😉 xx
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I like it. I love fairy tales and enjoy different takes on them.
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Thanks, Trent. I enjoy the different versions of the tales too.
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Absolutely amazing. Fairy tales are precious always, I watch them on my old video movies. es[pecially Alice in Wonderland.
I loved your writing and the Etheree is superb Vashti.
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Hi Hélène! Alice in Wonderland is one of the greatest! I love it too. Thank you very much for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 😀 xx
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The history of fairy tales is fascinating. I’ve done some research on it, too–especially Little Red Riding Hood. Well done, Vashti!
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Hi Merril! The original Little Red Riding Hood is gruesome, but I love it. It is fascinating. Thank you very much! 😀 xx
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I enjoyed reading about the history of fairy tales, Vashti. I really learned a lot. You did a great job on the challenge…I’m so impressed! Enjoy your weekend. ❤
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Yay! I’m happy you enjoyed the post, Jill! Thank you very much! You have a great weekend too. ❤ xx
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These words work perfectly for your retelling of Snow White. And thanks for all the information too! (K)
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Thank you so much. Have a great weekend! 😀
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I’m a huge fan of fairy tales, too. I love to read pre Disney tales and see the difference. I am enjoying all the different forms of poetry and how easily you are able to tackle them. Have a great weekend.
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Hi Denise! I thought you would be a fan. Like me, you enjoy letting your inner child come out and have some fun. It isn’t always easy but I enjoy tackling different poetry forms. I’m glad you enjoy them. You should try it! Thank you very much for the kind words. You have a great weekend too! 😀 xx
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I do enjoy that:) Yes, poetry is amazing how many ways you can express it. I’m more free-form, but I do love the challenge of the more structured types. It requires a different form of thinking.
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This is awesome, Vashti. The rodeo for Charli Mills’ flash fiction challenge that I am judging is for fractured fairy tales. Such fun.
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Thank you! Oh, fractured fairy tales sounds like loads of fun, Robbie! I’m going to have to look into that. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Such a great post, Vashti, and lovely poem as well. The history of the fairy tale is so intriguing. Thanks for sharing. Have an amazing weekend! 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s my pleasure. You have an amazing weekend too, my friend! ❤
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Fabulous Etheree Vashti! You are a natural! And loved the story about Fairy Tales and the brother Grimm! Always entertaining here on Fridays! ❤ xx
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Aw, thank you for the kind words, Debby. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. ❤ xx
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❤
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I had no idea that fairy tales were originally written for adults. That would explain the dark nature of most of them.
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Hi Mark! They weren’t always called fairy tales either. The first time I read one of the original darker versions I was shocked. Thanks so much for stopping by. 😀 xx
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Vashti – no words – both pieces are incredible and beautiful…
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Thank you, Mino! Have a lovely week! 😀 xx
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This is a fabulous post, Vashti. You packed it with such precious information and quotes and your lovely Etheree poem. It’s interesting that you found out the first Cinderella story was written in China. Do you have more detail on it because I’m not aware of it and would like to know some more about the story. I saw the new version of Cinderella on stage – the version with Cinderella saying, “I forgive you” to the stepmother!
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That’s so interesting, Miriam! I would love to see Cinderella on stage. Here’s a link to the story on YouTube. https://youtu.be/xpacm4ET-Cs Let me know what you think. 😀 xx
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I have a copy of the Chinese book. I didn’t know it was written in Tang dynasty. I thought it was a translation of the Cinderella I saw in Disney movie. I looked it up, the original story was written in was written in French by Charles Perrault in 1697. Thank you to bring this to my attention!! 🙂
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The Chinese version of the story was written 850-860 A.D. before the French version. The French version of the story may be the story we’re most familiar with, but the Chinese story was the original concept. 🙂
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Wow, I have to read the Chinese book again to see if it’s from the original version. The Chinese title is translated to “Ash Lady.” 🙂 I watched the YouTube videos to the end of the story. 🙂
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Here is Part 2 of the story. https://youtu.be/raqCNujgE38 And thank you for the kind words my friend! I’m happy you enjoyed the post.
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I watched part 2 also. Thank you!
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I was never much for fairy tales when growing up, but I’ve been reading a series of YA fairy tale re-tellings, The Ravenspire series by C.J. Redwine – really enjoying it!
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Hi Teri! I was a tomboy growing up and more into Marvel and DC comic books, until I was about 13 and then I started getting into fairy tales. Although, I still loved superheroes. Sometimes I would combine the two in my head like Superman rescued Little Red Riding Hood from the big, bad mutant wolf. Ha, ha! I have check out The Ravenspire series. Thanks for mentioning it. 😀 xx
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I loved this informative post about fairy tales, Vashti. And your etheree was beautiful and creepy. 🙂 That form is so intimidating. Well done!
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Hi Diana! I find all poetry forms intimidating but I’m compelled to write them anyway. 😉 Thank you so much. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Have a great weekend! 😀 xx
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I’ve just recently discovered the Once Upon a Time series and am addicted. Lol! My son and I are only on season 3, but we are loving it. He has actually begun reading all of the fairy tales on his own just to know what the children versions are like. 🙂 I’ve read Anne Rice’s take on Sleeping Beauty, and it was mind-blowing! I also teach my students three different versions of The Three Little Pigs (the original, the Disney version, and The Three Chicharrones, a Mexican version). There is so much fun to be had with fairy tales.
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I agree. You had me cracking up with ‘The Three Chicharrones’! I guess that one did not end well for the piggies. Ha, ha! I believe there’s no better way to bond with kids than when enjoying a good story together. 😉 xx
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Actually, the three chicharrones lived after having Sheriff Sanchez arrest Dinero Martinez (the wolf) and take away his real estate license. LOL! It’s a great modern twist to the fairy tale. The only kink in the story is that the author had the chicharrones snacking on pork rinds at one point, and all of my students pointed out the cannibalism in that. LOL!
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Ah, ha, ha! The kids are right! That’s hilarious. I love it. Thanks for telling me about this version. 😀 xo
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