History of Disney princesses fairy tales
Disney is well known for its beautifully animated fairy tales and the characters that have captivated us as much as its iconic mouse since 1928. One thing many people don’t know about our Walt Disney Company’s cherished Disney Princess stories is that many of they were based on already existing works.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first animated feature film produced by Walt Disney in 1937. The film was originally based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale titled ‘Snow White’. The Grimm brothers, Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm were German academics and were responsible for many popular fairy tales including ‘Rumpelstiltskin’, ‘Rapunzel’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and ‘The Frog Prince’.
Cinderella
Cinderella was released in 1950 and produced by Walt Disney. The Cinderella story has been recorded in many works throughout history with versions included by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. Disney’s animated movie liked Charles Perrault’s fairy tale better. Charles Perrault was a French author and published many fairy tales and his works include ‘Puss in Boots’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.
sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty was produced by Walt Disney and released in theaters in 1959. Disney’s story of Sleeping Beauty was also based on the works of Charles Perrault from his fairy tale titled ‘Sleeping Beauty’.
The little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid was released in 1989. The Disney story of The Little Mermaid was originally based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale titled “The Little Mermaid.” Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and poet and his works consisted of many well known fairy tales including ‘The Ugly Duckling’, ‘Thumbelina’, ‘The Princess and the Pea’, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ (of which Disney based his animated feature ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’) and many more famous stories.
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast was released by Disney in 1991. The story of Beauty and the Beast was originally based on the traditional fairy tale titled “Beauty and the Beast” by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and was abridged and republished by the French author Jeanne. -Marie Leprince de Beaumont.
Disney’s adaptations of these previously recognized stories have allowed children to experience the stories through the latest advances and technologies in visual media. Throughout history, these stories in their original written form and later adapted visual forms have been enjoyed by both children and adults.