Fairy-Tales: Why They're Not Just For Children

'Cinderella' by William Creswell
via Wikimedia

For as long as we have been able to talk and interact, man has told stories. We tried to explain the mysteries of the world, the marvels of the universe through spoken word and illustrations that depicted both history and man’s own imagination. Tales of myths, religious pretexts, and man's relationship to the flora and fauna can be dated back to as early as 40,000 BC.

As humanity has evolved, so have the stories: cave paintings turned into domestic tales of everyday life, and sacred narratives transformed into pieces of both myth and history, embellished with the fantastic and the strange whilst retaining a sense of magic. This is what we know today as a fairy tale: a story with a seemingly impossible plot, centred on human life and its interaction with mystical creatures. 

Despite this interesting heritage, fairy tales and stories of the like are still stereotyped by many as being intrinsically childish and therefore unsuitable for adult readers – how wrong this is.

Blended in amongst the obviously fictional tales of princesses, witches and talking forest animals, traditional fairy tales can actually teach us an incredible amount about the society in which we live (although you may need to look closely). Particularly skilled authors have a talent for explaining complicated, modern principles in straightforward ways, such as the marginalized voice (Cinderella), issues of prejudice (Beauty and the Beast), and the inner workings of relationships (The Princess and the Frog King), the likes of which many adults would likely benefit. The protagonist often must also overcome an evil oppressor, which in its own respect comes to represent the overcoming of personal struggles such as self-doubt, fear and lack of confidence. All of these things are perpetually relevant, no matter the era, yet in today’s society which focuses so much on mental health and mindfulness they are particularly profound. 



These stories can also help us make sense of a whole range of human emotions and of the sheer unpredictability of life. Stories which explore everything from love to jealousy, greed to courage in such an erratic narrative that it is the very uncertainty that makes it so compelling. The main characters do not conquer evil immediately – there is nearly always an emotional or physical struggle that delays the happy ending and keeps the audience guessing. This notion has been revolutionised by producers and creatives such as Walt Disney Studios in their retelling of numerous famous, traditional fairy and folk tales, who’s animated feature films have become household staples.



'Household Stories' by The Brothers Grimm

Of course, not all fairy tales are the magical, song-filled Disney delights that we know so well today. Some of the best-known folk tales, including “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Hansel and Gretel”, “Snow White” and “Rumpelstiltskin”, come from the eccentric minds of the Brothers Grimm, who are well known for their dark subject matter and messages of taboo. These controversial tales, although intended for children’s ears, have often been rebuked for their violent, gory and even sexual content, which warp the romantic stories into ones of horror. Despite this, many of them have enjoyed enduring popularity, having been translated into over 100 languages and adapted by filmmakers on numerous occasions. Perhaps this more mature style would better suit the adult reader used to the shock and drama of today’s media.

Besides the relevance to modern adult life, the reading of children’s fairy tales will always be an excellent way to engage with your imagination. Adults in the corporate working world have less and less opportunity nowadays to experience the magic and wonder, even silliness, that a written story creates in the mind, for it is all too easy to sit dazed in front of the TV and let the filmmakers do the imagining for you. A fairy story is the perfect rectification. It is a simple but wonderful pleasure, bound to render the reader charmed and entertained by removing them from the restraints of reality and lending them a bit of juvenile magic.

'Little Red Riding Hood' from

Childhood's Favourites and Fairy Stories

Naturally, most fiction books will have a similar impact, but there is just something special about diving into your imagination and getting back in touch with your immaturity.

As one of the most basic forms of communication, story-telling, and embellishment of the mundane every day is an integral part of life, and very few can compete with the written words of a fairy tale author. Whether you are in touch with your inner child or not, fairy tales constitute an art form in itself that should be appreciated by people of all ages, not just read out of obligation to your children before bed. Both the original and the adapted versions have a special place upon the bookshelf which form an insight into society, and a part of our history that deserves to be loved.

Take a look at the earliest example of story-telling: a simple Indonesian cave painting of a bull, believed to date back to 40,000 BC.
Or dive into some of the most famous twisted tales by The Brothers Grimm.