Similarities and Differences of the Twelve Dancing Princesses to Traditional Folklore
Introduction
In this assignment, I will analyze the similarities and differences in the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale to the traditional folklore. The tale written by the Brothers Grimm is about twelve beautiful princesses who someway managed to sneak out of their bedrooms every night to go dancing without their father's knowledge. The king only realized about this secret scheme by the daughters worn out dancing shoes. When questioned, they denied it. The king grew desperate every day and enlisted help from potential suitors to reveal the mystery. An elderly, wounded soldier solves the problem. With the help of an old lady, who gives him a special cloak, he finally unveils the daughter's secret and is given the oldest one as a suitor.
Similarities to traditional folklore
Traditional folklore is the forebear of modern adult and children literature. They encompass stories that commence from the oral tradition and told down for ages. Originally, this tale was narrated down generations in Germany as a way of passing on culture, history, and beliefs. Currently, it is now shared throughout the world and in different languages. Traditional tales capture the history of people living at a particular place and time (Harlow, 10). Germany abolished the kingdom dynasties in the early 20th century. From the tale, we assume that the storyline was most likely created around that time. Another popular concept with the traditional folklore is that they shed light on values and inspirations. Despite the king ensuring that the princesses were well locked in at night, they still found a way of sneaking out to the underground castle. It reflects on the importance of respect to our elders and that truth prevails at last.
In traditional tales, the youngest, weak, or wounded individual eventually becomes the hero (Leppälahti, 29). From the tale, the youngest daughter doubts were always dismissed, especially by the oldest princess. Noticeably, the aged poor soldier solved the issue and became the future king. Traditional tales are great sources of entertainment; the flow on how the princesses used to sneak out every night arouses our imagination and makes us reflect on the beautiful glittering dresses worn in that era, pleasant music, and dancing with princes all night. Their short intro which mostly starts, 'Once upon a time' is captivating to the audience too.
Differences from traditional folklore
Modern fantasy stories are purely imaginary. They contain creatures, individuals, and sometimes settings that do not exist. The folklore shares this characteristic. The underground castle with gold, silver, and diamond trees is unreal. This fictional aspect is also evident when the aged soldier is given the enchanted cloak that made him disappear. Modern tales also connect with their audience through the past to present culture (Leppälahti, 29). The daughters going against their father and disappearing at night is equivalent to what is happening in our society today. Parents, and especially those with young adults, are going through similar struggles to maintain morals in their children.
Conclusion
Over the years, the folklore genre has diversified in great lengths. The traditional and fantasy tales have great significance in adult and children literature. They symbolize a way of passing on culture, values and are a source of entertainment. Despite the simplicity, basic plots, and themes in traditional tales, it remains the basis of all folklore. Fantasy stories are a product of this revolution. With their rich imagery and advanced creation, they have taken the industry to a greater length.
Works Cited
Harlow, Hayley. "Escaping into the Creative Imagination: A Case Study of James J. Guthrie and the Pear Tree Press." (2018).
Leppälahti, Merja. "From Folklore to Fantasy: The Living Dead, Metamorphoses, and Other Strange Things." Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts 29.2 (2018).
