The Origins of Fairy Tales in the Middle Ages: A Historical Perspective

What we call ‘fairy tales’ originally were folk tales. The Grimm brothers, in somewhat a crude and sanitized way, collected such folk tales by recording them. Likely in a more chaste version to protect the innocence of our children. But these tales, often descending from a non-Christian common subconscious, reveal their origins more than any Christian elements present in them.

How Were Fairy Tales Created?

The question of how fairy tales were created is indeed more complex. How do such tales enter the collective memory of a people?

Somebody must have started telling them, but those “somebodies” remain unknown to us. In the Middle Ages, original authorship - or creation in general - was mostly anonymous. What mattered was not the creator but the tale and the content being told. Some lucky scribes eventually wrote down these tales, a process that occurred much later, as the Grimm brothers did.

The Nature of Folk Tales

Folk tales often emerged from the common people, reflecting their cultural and social realities. These tales were passed down orally, from generation to generation, before being recorded. They contained elements of the everyday life, folk beliefs, and cultural norms of the time. Characters like witches, trolls, and fairies were often symbolic depictions of the fears and aspirations of the people.

The Role of Religion and Society in Fairy Tales

While many fairy tales were not overtly Christian, they nonetheless reflected the religious and moral values of the society. Themes such as good versus evil, the importance of family, and the consequences of selfishness were common. However, the tales also contained elements that were not in line with Christian doctrine, suggesting a deeper and more complex narrative structure.

The Collecting and Recording Process

The process of documenting these oral tales began much later than their creation. The Grimm brothers are perhaps the most famous collectors of these tales, but they were by no means the only ones. Other folklorists and scholars also contributed to the preservation of these stories. The collection and recording of these tales provided a way to study and preserve the cultural heritage of the Middle Ages.

Conclusion

The origins of fairy tales during the Middle Ages are rooted in the oral tradition and collective memory of the people. While the specific creators are often unknown, the tales themselves have a significant place in the cultural and historical narrative of the time. The study and understanding of these tales provide insights into the beliefs, fears, and aspirations of the people of the Middle Ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No, while many were anonymous, some individual collectors and storytellers are known, especially from later periods. For example, the Grimm brothers played a significant role in collecting and documenting these tales.

Scholars and collectors began documenting these tales later because they recognized their cultural and historical value. The oral tradition was a living process, and written records preserved these stories for future generations.

Folk tales provided entertainment, moral lessons, and insights into the cultural and social norms of the time. They were a way for the common people to express their beliefs and fears through storytelling.