History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends How to Write A Good Fairy Tale | Page 52

1704-17 – 1001 NIGHTS
(very popular oriental tales); filled with escapist fantasies stimulated European storytellers.
Editions flourish
editing, abridging (influence commoners & aristocrats)
Parodies also abound (macabre, grotesque, burlesque, porn)
GERMANS
Educated in French, influenced above all by French collections
Late 18th c.–1st German edition shows triumph of rationalism over mysticism
GRIMM BROTHERS (Jacob and Wilhelm)
1807-1812 gather 49 tales (from oral & written sources)
Many informants from educated upper and middle classes (many Fr. origin)
Transformed tales into exquisite literary creations
BETWEEN 1812 – 1857
12 editions published, continually revised, edited, added to, to a total of 210 tales stylized
carefully by Wilhelm to reflect “genuine” “folk” tone (ironic b/c they were heavily edited) +
customs/beliefs + they knew of pan-European nature of tales & origins in Orient
HOPE = to build a sense of German identity / community–utopian nationalism
Became most popular and famous collection worldwide (probably because of cross-cultural
connections); intertwines, interlaces diverse cultural experiences suited to middle class taste,
values, in Europe & N. Amer.
Still influential reference points for much of our culture.
Tales heavily psychoanalyzed, interpreted, debated
As morally deficient, sexist, nationalistic, hegemonic, violent, etc.