"Snow-White" is a German fairy tale known from the Brothers Grimm collection, first published in 1812 as part of their Grimms' Fairy Tales. The tale has its roots in folklore and has evolved over time through various oral and written retellings.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around a beautiful young princess named Snow-White, who has skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony. Her beauty surpasses that of her stepmother, the Evil Queen, who becomes jealous and orders a huntsman to kill Snow-White. However, the huntsman spares her life and she flees into the woods, eventually finding refuge with seven dwarfs. The Queen learns that Snow-White is still alive and makes several attempts to kill her, but each time, Snow-White is saved by the dwarfs. Finally, the Queen tricks Snow-White with a poisoned apple, which puts her into a deep sleep. She is later awakened by a prince who breaks the spell with a kiss, and they live happily ever after.
Origins and Variations
- Origins: The tale's origins are murky, with some versions appearing in earlier folklore from different cultures. One of the earliest known versions is "The Young Slave" from Giambattista Basile's collection of fairy tales, published in the early 17th century.
- Variations: Over time, "Snow-White" has been adapted into numerous forms, including books, plays, operas, and films. Each adaptation often brings slight changes to the original story, altering character names, motives, or plot elements.
Cultural Impact
- Disney Adaptation: Perhaps the most famous adaptation is Walt Disney's 1937 animated film "Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs," which was the first full-length cel-animated feature in motion picture history.
- Literature and Media: The tale has inspired countless retellings in literature, television, and film, with variations that explore themes of beauty, jealousy, and innocence.
Analysis
Scholars have analyzed "Snow-White" for its themes of:
- Jealousy and rivalry between women
- The transition from childhood to adulthood
- The archetype of the innocent maiden
- The role of nature and animals in fairy tales
External Links
See Also