Snow White Original Story

Snow White

"Snow White Original Story" is a fairy tale that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences for centuries. While you might think it's just a story for kids. There's actually a lot of information to unpack, from its origins and variations to its impact on popular culture and the criticisms it has faced.(See more about Snow White)

Origins and Traditional Storyline

Snow White Original Story is the story you're most familiar with probably comes from the Brothers Grimm, two German scholars who collected and published a lot of European fairy tales in the 19th century. In their version, Snow White is a beautiful princess. After her mom dies and her dad remarries, her stepmother gets super jealous of her looks. Why? Because she has this magical mirror that always told her she was the "fairest in the land," and now it's saying that title goes to Snow White.

Feeling threatened, the stepmother sends Snow White into the forest with a huntsman, ordering him to kill her and bring back her heart. But the huntsman can't go through with it and lets Snow White go free. She stumbles upon a cottage belonging to seven dwarfs, who let her stay in exchange for housekeeping.

Now, the stepmother is cunning. She tries to kill Snow White multiple times using various disguises and tactics, like a corset that's too tight and a poisoned comb. But each time, the dwarfs save her. Finally, the stepmother tricks her into eating a poisoned apple, putting her into a deep sleep. A prince comes along, kisses her, and she wakes up. They live happily ever after.

Snow White Original Story - Different Versions

The tale of Snow White has been written, rewritten, and adapted numerous times over the centuries. Below are some significant written versions, along with their authors and the dates of publication or collection:

Traditional Versions

  1. Grimm Brothers - "Schneewittchen" ("Snow White")Date: First published in 1812, with later editions featuring updatesCollection: "Children's and Household Tales" ("Grimm's Fairy Tales")
  2. Giambattista Basile - "La Bella Venezia" ("The Young Slave")Date: First published posthumously in 1634Collection: "Lo cunto de li cunti" ("The Tale of Tales," also known as "The Pentamerone")

The tale has been told in many ways around the world.

Grimm Brothers - "Schneewittchen" ("Snow White")Date: First published in 1812, with later editions featuring updatesCollection: "Children's and Household Tales" ("Grimm's Fairy Tales")

Giambattista Basile - "La Bella Venezia" ("The Young Slave")Date: First published posthumously in 1634Collection: "Lo cunto de li cunti" ("The Tale of Tales," also known as "The Pentamerone")

Depending on the version, Snow White's adversaries might not even be her stepmother; sometimes it's her biological mother! In some adaptations, the dwarfs are miners, in others, they're not dwarfs at all but regular-sized people or even animals. Some versions go really dark, while others aim to be more kid-friendly.

Snow White Original Story - Disney's Influence

Walt Disney's 1937 animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," really brought this story into mainstream American culture. This was the first-ever full-length animated movie and became a massive hit. Disney's version added a lot of elements, like naming the dwarfs (think Doc, Grumpy, Happy, etc.) and including catchy songs.

Disney's Seven Dwarfs

The Seven Dwarfs


1. Doc, leader of the dwarfs, (Father Figure) he sometimes stutters speaking. He is by far the most hard working of all.

2. Sleepy  - He sleeps a lot when he's not trying to find a place to sleep.

3. Dopey -    Doesn't speak, but Snow Likes him most. He's not real smart and causes trouble where ever goes.

4. Grumpy - Complain, complain, complain, that's all he ever does. He's hardly ever seen without a frown on his face.

5. Happy  is a little fat and eats at every chance. He loves parties, but they almost always end in a funny bust.


6. Bashful -He is very romantic and is in love with Snow White, but never manages to tell her how much he cares.


7. Sneezy - has hay fever and is known for his powerful sneezing. His sneezes shake the whole room.

Impact on Culture

The story has infiltrated pop culture in a big way. You'll see references in TV shows, movies, and even memes. Phrases like "Mirror, mirror on the wall" have become part of everyday language. The poisoned apple has become a symbol for something that looks good but is actually harmful.

Criticisms

However, the story has been criticized for its gender stereotypes. For example, Snow White is often portrayed as a passive character who needs to be saved by a man. This has led to modern retellings that aim to make her more active and independent, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a "princess."

Modern Takes

So, next time you think about "Snow White," remember that it's not just a simple story for little kids. It's a tale that has evolved over time, mirroring the values and concerns of different cultures and eras. Whether you're diving into its historical origins or just enjoying a modern adaptation, there's a lot more to this fairy tale than meets the eye.