by Alexander Mildener, Feature Editor
Once upon a time, even today, readers have grown up listening to the legends of fairy tales for countless of generations. Children around the world have reaped the benefits of these tales. They believe in happily ever after.
According to Endicott Studio, it is believed that one of the reasons why fairy tales have had so much exposure around the world is because they were passed on by merchants and traders around the world. Each of these travelers brought with them stories from their own culture, which were retold and blended into the native stories of lands they visited.
Fairy tales have been proven to teach children how to solve problems and connect to their emotions. According to Imagination Soup children learn how to deal with issues they will face in their life by studying and analyzing the actions of the hero. Simultaneously, reading fairy tales improves reading comprehension skills which helps them thrive in school.
English teacher Ms. Destefano said, “Fairy tales contain the wisdom of the ages, and are just as relevant to children today as they were hundreds of years ago.”
According to Sacred Texts, when listening to fairy tales, children are given the opportunity to release their feelings, which improves their emotional health. Fairy tales also help young children recognize social situations, allowing them to comprehend exactly what friends and family are, and the role they play in a person’s life.
Fairy tales have the ability to develop the imagination. This is an important skill that helps kids and teens in English class, as well as leading to scientific developments. So many advancements have been made in the field of technology because people had imagination.
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world,” physicist Albert Einstein stated.
Junior said Mariana Krslovic said, “It (fairy tales) builds an imagination for children. It builds character and gives them life experience.”
Snow White’s tale made a lasting impression on junior Ravital Narkolayev. She believes everyone has a Prince Charming.
“Someday my prince will come for me, like Snow White, because I believe my one true soulmate is out there and I am willing to wait for him,” she said.
Fairy tales have also had a very large impact on popular culture. T.V shows such as Once Upon a Time and Grimm have become mega-hits. In fact, Once Upon a Time was rated as the number one broadcast drama according to TV by the Numbers.
However, these shows are influenced by the Grimm Brother’s tales rather than Disney movies. The Grimm Brother’s stories display the darker side of fairy tales, where people do not necessarily live “happily ever after.”
For example, in Snow White, the Evil Queen was a cannibal and wanted to consume Snow White’s liver and lungs. (Grimm’s Fairy Tales). Grimm’s Fairy Tales appeal to adults and teens, and are considered too dark for children, according to Mirror Online.
According to TNH online, fairy tales will continue to be popular due to their rich cultural history, engaging writing, and moral lessons.
