Fairy Tales

Unit 5 - Fairy Tales

Fairy tales are stories from long ago that usually begin with the language, “Once upon a time ...” and end with a happy ending. A fairy tale usually has characters that are obviously good or evil, often with magical powers. Many fairy tales include royalty such as kings, queens, princesses, and princes. They may also include dragons, fairies, giants, or ogres. Objects and animals can sometimes talk. The number 3 may play a role in the structure of the tale.

Fairy tales come from many countries such as Iceland, England, Germany, China, Egypt, Russia, Korea, France, and Vietnam. While the stories are remarkably similar, we can learn about places and history and values by comparing tales from different countries.

Readers of fairy tales must distinguish the heroes from the villains. Often times, in addition, characters will represent good and evil. Readers can therefore predict how the heroes or persons of good character will be rewarded and the villains or persons of poor character will be punished. Magic will play an important role!