The tradition of retelling fairy tales dates back centuries, with oral storytelling being the primary method of passing down these stories through generations. Fairy tales were part of folk traditions and were adapted to reflect the values and morals of the cultures in which they were told. The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, collected and published many of these tales in the early 19th century, standardizing some of the most well-known stories like “Snow White,” “Cinderella,” and “Hansel and Gretel.” Their collections, published in Children’s and Household Tales (1812), were instrumental in preserving and popularizing these stories, though they often included darker, more cautionary elements than the sanitized versions familiar today.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, fairy tales continued to evolve through various adaptations in literature and theatre. Charles Perrault’s Mother Goose Tales (1697) and later works by authors such as Hans Christian Andersen introduced new versions and original stories that broadened the scope of fairy tales. Andersen’s stories, including “The Little Mermaid” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” offered unique twists and moral lessons that further enriched the genre.

The 20th century saw a resurgence in fairy tale retellings, particularly in children’s literature. Authors like Roald Dahl and Angela Carter began to offer more subversive takes on traditional tales. Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes (1982) presented classic fairy tales with dark humour and unexpected endings, while Carter’s The Bloody Chamber (1979) reimagined fairy tales with feminist themes and a focus on the darker aspects of the stories.

In the 21st century, fairy tale retellings have flourished across various media, including novels, television series, and films. Writers like Gregory Maguire with Wicked (1995), a retelling of The Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch’s perspective, and Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles series (starting with Cinder in 2012), which reimagines fairy tales in a futuristic setting, have expanded the genre’s boundaries. These contemporary adaptations often explore deeper themes such as identity, power, and social justice, appealing to a diverse audience.

Television and film adaptations have also embraced fairy tale retellings, with shows like Once Upon a Time (2011) and movies like Maleficent (2014) offering fresh perspectives on classic tales. These adaptations demonstrate the genre’s versatility and enduring appeal, showing how fairy tales can be transformed to reflect modern values and concerns while still retaining their timeless charm.