Have you ever wondered what truly defines a fairytale? Is it just glass slippers and happily ever afters? (Spoiler alert: No!) The world of fairytales is so much richer and more diverse than most people realize. From well-loved classics to lesser-known gems, these stories transport us to magical realms, teach us valuable lessons, and ignite our imaginations.

Here at FairyTales: ReImagined, we’re perhaps a little *too* passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of the fairytale universe. And in this post, we’re going on an adventure to uncover the different types of fairytales, from the familiar to the delightfully bizarre. So, grab your enchanted map (or just scroll down, that works too!) and let’s dive in!

What Exactly is a Fairytale? (Asking the Big Questions)

Defining “fairytale” can be tricky – even for us, and we *literally* have a podcast about it! But, at its heart, a fairytale is a type of short story that typically features folkloric fantasy characters, such as dwarves, elves, fairies, giants, gnomes, goblins, mermaids, trolls, unicorns, or witches, and usually magic or enchantments.

But it’s more than just fantastical creatures! Fairytales often contain:

• A clear moral or lesson: They teach us about good vs. evil, kindness, courage, and the importance of staying true to ourselves.
• Recurring motifs and archetypes: Think wicked stepmothers, brave heroes, magical objects, and impossible tasks.
• A sense of wonder and enchantment: They transport us to a world where anything is possible.

Many fairytales began as oral traditions, passed down through generations before being written down. This explains why different versions of the same story exist in various cultures. (Learn more at The Folklore Society)

Traditional Fairytale Categories: The Foundation of Fantasy (The OG Fairytales)

Let’s start with the classic categories that form the bedrock of the fairytale world. These are the stories we all grew up with (or at least pretended to read when we were supposed to be doing homework):

• Folk Tales: These are the most common type of fairytale, often originating from oral traditions. They typically feature ordinary people who encounter magical creatures or situations. Think Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood.
• Wonder Tales: Similar to folk tales, but with a stronger emphasis on magic and the supernatural. They often involve quests, transformations, and encounters with powerful beings. Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty fall into this category.
• Animal Tales: Animals take center stage in these stories, often exhibiting human-like qualities and teaching valuable lessons. The Tortoise and the Hare and The Three Little Pigs are prime examples.
• Religious Tales: These tales often focus on the triumph of good over evil through a religious lens, exploring themes of faith, divine intervention, and morality. They may feature saints, miracles, and spiritual journeys, imparting lessons rooted in religious beliefs and values. For instance, the story of Saint George and the Dragon teaches of courage and faith, as Saint George, a Christian knight, slays a dragon to rescue a princess and save a kingdom from its terror. The dragon symbolizes evil, and Saint George’s victory represents the triumph of good and the power of religious conviction. 

Beyond the Classics: Delving into More Specialized Types (Things Are About to Get Weird)

Now, let’s venture off the beaten path and explore some of the more specialized and intriguing types of fairytales. Get ready to impress your friends at your next fairytale-themed trivia night! (Is that a thing? It should be!)

• Literary Fairytales: Unlike folk tales that evolved organically, literary fairytales are intentionally crafted by individual authors. They often draw inspiration from traditional motifs but add their own unique twists and interpretations. Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince are excellent examples. (Learn more about literary fairytales here).
• Cumulative Tales: These tales build upon themselves, adding new elements with each repetition. They often feature a catchy rhyme or phrase that is repeated throughout the story. The Gingerbread Man and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly are classic cumulative tales. Cumulative tales are good for helping kids learn memorization skills.
• Pourquoi Tales: From the French word for “why,” these tales explain the origins of natural phenomena, animal characteristics, or cultural customs. They often feature a humorous or imaginative explanation. For example, a pourquoi tale might explain why the leopard has spots or why the sun rises in the east.
• Trickster Tales: These stories feature a cunning and mischievous character who uses their wit and trickery to outsmart others. Anansi the Spider in African folklore and Br’er Rabbit in African American folklore are well-known trickster figures. What is your favorite trickster tale? Share it in the comments!
• Legends: Sometimes considered fairytales, legends blend historical figures or events with fantastical elements. They often exaggerate or embellish the truth to create a compelling narrative. The stories of King Arthur and Robin Hood are examples of legends. 
• Fables: Fables are short stories, often featuring animals as characters, that convey a moral lesson or principle. They are similar to animal tales but tend to be more didactic in nature. Aesop’s Fables, such as The Lion and the Mouse and The Boy Who Cried Wolf, are widely known examples. Do you think fables count as fairytales? Let us know!

The Ever-Evolving Fairytale: Modern Interpretations (Fairytales Get a Makeover)

Fairytales aren’t relics of the past; they continue to evolve and adapt to contemporary society. Modern authors are reimagining classic tales, subverting traditional tropes, and creating entirely new fairytales that reflect the issues and concerns of our time. It’s like giving Cinderella a smartphone… and maybe a therapist.

• Subverted Fairytales: These stories take familiar fairytale elements and twist them in unexpected ways, challenging traditional gender roles, questioning the concept of “happily ever after,” and exploring darker themes. Wicked (the story of the Wicked Witch of the West) is a great example.
• Urban Fairytales: These stories transplant fairytale elements into a modern, urban setting. They often feature contemporary characters facing relatable problems, but with a touch of magic or the supernatural.
• Fairytale Retellings: These stories take a classic fairytale and retell it from a different perspective or in a different setting. They allow us to see familiar stories in a new light and explore the complexities of the characters and their motivations. What’s your favorite fairytale retelling? Tell us in the comments!

Fairytale Elements: Common Threads That Bind (The Secret Sauce of Fairytales)

Despite their vast diversity, all fairytales share certain common elements:

• Magic: Whether it’s a talking animal, a magic wand, or a hidden doorway to another world, magic is an essential ingredient in almost every fairytale.
• Good vs. Evil: Fairytales typically present a clear conflict between good and evil, with the hero or heroine ultimately triumphing over the forces of darkness.
• Transformation: Characters often undergo a transformation, either physical or emotional, as they learn valuable lessons and grow as individuals.
• The Number Three: The number three appears frequently in fairytales, from the three little pigs to the three wishes. It’s a magic number, apparently!
• A Happy Ending (Usually!): While not all fairytales have a traditional “happily ever after,” most offer a sense of hope and resolution. Because who wants to read a story that just ends sadly?

These recurring elements contribute to the enduring appeal of fairytales, reminding us of the power of hope, courage, and the importance of staying true to ourselves.

Conclusion: The Magic Never Ends (Or Does It? We’ll Keep Podcasting to Find Out!)

From classic folk tales to modern reimaginings, the world of fairytales is vast, varied, and endlessly fascinating. We hope this journey through different fairytale types has sparked your imagination and deepened your appreciation for these timeless stories. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to research whether fairies actually exist. (Don’t judge!).

What’s your favorite type of fairytale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And if you’re eager to delve even deeper into the world of fairytales (and hear us ramble on for a while), be sure to subscribe to the FairyTales: ReImagined podcast on Spotify!