European International Journal of Philological Sciences
6
https://eipublication.com/index.php/eijps
TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
05-07
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
03 January 2025
ACCEPTED
09 February 2025
PUBLISHED
11 March 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue 03 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Different variations of
traditional fairy tales and
their components
Raximova Nigoraxon Obidjonovna
English teacher at the Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages
named after Is'hoqkhon Ibrat, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
Fairy tales, across diverse cultures, exhibit
unique variations while preserving core structural
elements. This article explores how history, geography,
and cultural norms influence the multiple versions of
well-known stories. It examines shared narrative
patterns, character archetypes, and moral lessons,
highlighting the universal appeal and enduring global
significance of fairy tales.
Keywords:
•
Fairy tales
•
Variations
•
Archetypes
•
Oral tradition
•
Folklore
•
Cultural motifs
•
Narrative structure
Introduction:
Fairy tales, with their origins in ancient
oral traditions, have captivated audiences worldwide
for centuries. These narratives often contain fantastical
elements, supernatural beings, and moral lessons that
reflect the values and beliefs of the communities from
which they emerged. While readers may be most
familiar with Western fairy tales, such as those compiled
by the Brothers Grimm or popularized by Charles
Perrault, there exist myriad variations of these stories
that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries. The
differences in plot structure, character representation,
and moral emphasis highlight how fairy tales adapt to
the needs, norms, and aspirations of each society,
thereby revealing the malleability and universality of
the genre.
In many cultures, oral tradition has allowed fairy tales to
be reshaped over time, reflecting local histories and
communal experiences. As stories were passed down
European International Journal of Philological Sciences
6
https://eipublication.com/index.php/eijps
European International Journal of Philological Sciences
through generations by storytellers, minstrels, or
family elders, they inevitably absorbed regional
dialects, values, and mythic elements. This process of
variation helps explain why there are countless
versions of classic tales. Consider Cinderella, which
appears in dozens of cultures, each featuring a
distinctive twist. The Chinese version, for example,
incorporates references to golden fish and cultural
norms of filial piety, while the French interpretation by
Perrault emphasizes courtly manners and Christian
ethics. Such adaptations reveal how fairy tales serve as
living repositories of cultural knowledge and shared
imagination.
Character archetypes are an essential component of
fairy tale variations. Across diverse cultural contexts,
archetypes such as the benevolent helper, the wicked
stepmother, and the transformative animal guide
frequently appear, though they may be interpreted
differently. Archetypal figures provide stability and
continuity in narratives, while subtle shifts in their
behaviors or motivations reflect localized moral values.
For instance, in some East Asian variations of “The Frog
Prince,”
the
amphibious
figure
symbolizes
perseverance and the virtue of selflessness, whereas
Western renditions emphasize themes of inner nobility
revealed through adversity. By examining the shared
yet adaptable nature of character archetypes, one
gains insight into how communities imprint their moral
codes upon familiar story frameworks.
Plot structure is another defining element that
undergoes modification in different variations of fairy
tales. Vladimir Propp’s seminal study of Russian
folktales identified recurrent functions in narrative
sequences, yet each culture tailors these functions to
align with prevailing sociohistorical contexts. In some
renditions, certain stages are condensed or omitted
entirely, reflecting changes in social norms or
emphasizing distinct narrative arcs. Similarly, certain
motifs, such as the ‘forbidden chamber’ or the ‘magical
transformation,’ might receive heightened emphasis in
cultures where they hold greater symbolic value. The
adaptability of plot elements underscores both the
fluidity and resilience of fairy tales, allowing them to
remain relevant across shifting temporal and
geographical landscapes.
Language and stylistic choices also shape the unique
identities of fairy tale variations. Storytellers often
incorporate idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and
cultural references that resonate with local audiences.
Folktale collectors of the nineteenth century, such as
the Brothers Grimm, frequently edited and
standardized the dialectical speech found in original
renditions, aiming for a more ‘universal’ literary form.
Modern reworkings, including film adaptations by
major studios, introduce contemporary language and
humor to appeal to a global market. Yet the essence of
these tales, grounded in the triumph of good over evil
or the rewarding of virtue, remains intact. Language
thus becomes a transformative tool, enabling perpetual
reinvention while preserving recognizable thematic
cores.
The moral messages embedded in fairy tales likewise
display both consistency and variation. Typically, these
stories advocate virtues like kindness, honesty, and
humility, opposing vices such as greed and cruelty. Yet
local contexts modify these moral emphases to address
contemporary social concerns or cultural taboos. In
certain interpretations of “Snow White,” for example,
greater stress is placed on envy and the perils of vanity,
echoing societies preoccupied with social hierarchy.
Elsewhere, the same tale may underscore the necessity
of cooperative labor among dwarfs, reflecting a
communal ethos. Moral components remain central to
the fairy tale experience, offering a flexible vehicle for
teaching ethical principles across generational and
cultural divides.
Beyond morality, fairy tales often carry deeper symbolic
meanings and mythic underpinnings that manifest
differently depending on regional mythologies and
religious beliefs. In some Eastern European versions of
“Beauty and the Beast,” vestiges of ancient natu
re
deities can be discerned in the Beast’s cursed form and
the ritualistic elements of breaking the spell. Similarly,
African retellings sometimes integrate animist concepts,
wherein interactions with ancestral spirits or
environmental forces guide the pro
tagonist’s journey.
These symbolic layers not only enrich the narrative but
also situate it within a broader cultural and spiritual
tapestry. Consequently, the same story can serve as
both entertainment and a source of existential
reflection, reflecting multifaceted cultural perspectives.
In modern times, the retelling and adaptation of fairy
tales have increased exponentially through mediums
such as film, television, and literature. Globalized
production and digital platforms facilitate cross-cultural
exchanges, resulting in hybrid narratives that merge
traditional elements with contemporary motifs.
Audiences now encounter reinterpretations that
challenge gender norms or subvert classic tropes,
reflecting evolving social attitudes. The proliferation of
new media also leads to debates over cultural
appropriation and authenticity when local stories are
repackaged for global consumption. Nonetheless, these
reinventions enable fairy tales to remain compelling for
contemporary
viewers.
Through
creative
reinterpretation, they can preserve core themes of
resilience, transformation, and hope while engaging
with the complexities of modern life.
European International Journal of Philological Sciences
7
https://eipublication.com/index.php/eijps
European International Journal of Philological Sciences
Scholarly exploration of fairy tale variations
underscores their enduring relevance and adaptability.
By examining different renditions and their
components, researchers gain insight into the dynamic
interplay between shared narrative structures and
culturally specific inflections. This perspective
illuminates how societies express collective hopes,
fears, and values through fantastical storytelling.
Simultaneously, it reveals how new retellings challenge
established conventions, promote dialogue on social
issues, and expand the scope of traditional genres.
Ultimately, the study of fairy tales transcends mere
entertainment, serving as a lens to understand cultural
identity, historical processes, and the universal search
for meaning. Whether presented in print or screen
adaptations, fairy tales continue to evolve, reflecting
humanity’s limitless capacity for creativity and
reinvention. They remain timeless narratives.
REFERENCES
Propp V. Morphology of the Folktale.
–
Austin :
University of Texas Press, 1968.
–
158 p.
Grimm J., Grimm W. Children’s and Household Tales /
Ed. by J. Zipes.
–
Princeton : Princeton University Press,
1999.
–
792 p.
Perrault C. The Complete Fairy Tales of Charles
Perrault.
–
Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2009.
–
160 p.
Zipes J. Fairy Tale as Myth/Myth as Fairy Tale.
–
Lexington : University Press of Kentucky, 1994.
–
192 p.
Tatar M. The Ha
rd Facts of the Grimms’ Fairy Tales. –
Princeton : Princeton University Press, 2003.
–
358 p.
