FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS
These stories may be familiar. They were the bedtime stories that created a world full of magic and enchantment.
While fairy tales are a distinct genre within folktales, defining fairy tales isn't easy. One important distinction is that while fairy tales are folk tales, not all folk tales are fairy tales. Additionally, the story does not need to feature fairies. Historically, fairy tales were intended for an audience of adults, as well as children and the stories we are familiar with are adaptations by Brothers Grimm and Disney.
Once upon a time...
"A fairy tale is a story-literary or folk-that has a sense of the numinous, the feeling or sensation of the supernatural or the mysterious. But, and this is crucial, it is a story that happens in the past tense, and a story that is not tied to any specifics. If it happens "at the beginning of the world," then it is a myth. A story that names a specific "real" person is a legend (even if it contains a magical occurrence). A story that happens in the future is a fantasy. Fairy tales are sometimes spiritual, but never religious."
Lane, Marcia. Picturing a Rose: A Way of Looking at Fairy Tales. New York: H. W. Wilson, 1993.
This website is dedicated to the retellings of these traditional tales which have been revamped. They make the old stories we loved brand new and often just as enjoyable.
The excitement and anticipation of a happy ending set in magical worlds make fairy tales appealing. What make the retellings even more appealing are the perspective and relatability of the characters. Especially true in contemporary fairy tale retellings in which the classic tales are set in modern times.
...and they lived happily ever after.