Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood (also known as Little Red Cap) is a famous fairy tale about a young girl and a big bad wolf. The story has been changed considerably in its history and subject to numerous modern adaptations and readings. The origins of the story can be traced to versions from various European countries and more than likely proceeding the 17th Century, of which several exist, some significantly different from the current Grimm-inspired version. It was told by French peasants in the 14th Century as well as in Italy where a number of versions exist including La Finta Nonna (The False Grandmother). In most stories Little Red Riding Hood escapes with no help from any male or female characters, instead using her own cunning.
Rapunzel
Rapunzel is a German fairy tale in the collection by the Brothers Grimm, and first published in 1812 as part of 'Children's and Household Tales'. The Grimm's tale is an adaptation of the fairy tale 'Persinette' by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de la Force originally published in 1698. Its plot has been used and parodied in various media and its best know line "Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair" is an idiom in popular culture. Rapunzel's story has striking similarities to the 10th Century Persian tale of Rudaba included in the epic poem 'Shahnameh' by Ferdowsi. Rudaba offers to let down her hair from her tower to let her lover Zal climb up to her. Some elements of the story might also have originally been based upon the tale of Saint Barbara, who was aid to have been locked in a tower by her father.
Cinderella
Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper is a folk tale embodying a myth element of unjust oppression and triumphant reward. Thousands of variants are known throughout the world. The title character is a young woman living in unfortunate circumstances that are suddenly changed to remarkable fortune. The word 'cinderella' has come to mean 'one whose attributes are unrecognised'. The still popular story of Cinderella continues to influence popular culture internationally, lending plot elements. The ancient Greek historian Strabo recorded in the First Century the tale of Rhodopis who lived in the Greek colony of Navcratis in Ancient Egypt. It is often considered the oldest known version of the story.
Also known as The Frog Prince, it is a fairy tale best known through the Brothers Grimm's written version; traditionally it is the first story in their collection. In the tale, a spoiled princess reluctantly befriends a frog who magically transforms into a handsome prince. Although in modern versions the transformation is invariably triggered by the princess kissing the frog, in the original Grimm version the frog's spell was broken when the princess threw him against a wall in disgust. In other early versions it was sufficient for the frog to spent the night on the princess' pillow.
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