Who knew?

We started analyzing Cinderella this past week. Growing up I don't think I had ever watched the Disney version more than once, let alone read the original fairy tale. So I took Disney at their word, and that this was the way it was. Of course later into life I began to realize that Disney worked the story into what he wanted, similar to Perrault and Grimm a few hundred years earlier. Nevertheless, it was beyond comprehension that the original tales could be so gruesome, and something to be seen as whole lot more than a 'simple fairy tale.'

The fact that a whole story can be hidden behind the original story is quite astounding, and mainly I'm talking about the Grimm version. The whole story of good vs. evil, karma, and divine justice could be taken from a story about a little girl and a prince? A mother tells her daughter to be good, behave, and pray, and everything will work itself out. A part from her mother, Cinderella had noone within her 'family' who treated her with any basic dignity. So she did her duty assigned to her by her mother, and the result is what was promised: she was married to a rich prince, and lived 'happily ever after.' the The gruesome part happens to her step-sisters. One eye is plucked from each of their heads at the wedding, so as to give them pain, but still give them the ability to see the girl they abused for so long, get married. Even more painful. As they leave the wedding , the remaining eye is plucked out, leaving them with the last image of Cinderella happy. Wow. A little too heavy for Disney. And a very strong statement to those who cause harm and pain.

So who was the tale really for? Was if for kids, or was it for the adults? One could assume both. Maybe the Brothers Grimm were hoping this heavy lesson will seep into kid's minds subliminally, while the adults got the message out right. It was, for the kids, an entertaining tale to go to sleep to, to waste time, or whatever, but they would get the message, that if you are evil, this will happen to you, and if you are good, see what rewards you can get. Were as for the adults, it could just confirm or challenge the ideals that they had.

Is this story the authentic version? Of course not. Grimm, Perrault, Disney, etc. recorded these stories with an intent and purpose. But, the stories that we've read from all over the world, this idea remains. It might not appear with the severity that Grimm has, but they're still there. And maybe that is what keeps this story alive, that the unjust and evil will get whats coming to them. And that if we just, metaphorically, be good, behave, and pray, everything will work itself out.