fairy tales

[indian]

has any1 else heard that stories such as little red riding hood were once not such innocent tales but had underlying meanings including rape and stuff? does any1 know where i can get hold of a copy? sorry this question is so badly worded!

[Lillabet]

You might find Marina Warner's writing on myths and folk tales useful. Especially this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0099479516/qid=1117718339/sr=8-2/ref=pd_ka_2/202-2004226-8821405

Hope this helps...

[Xollob]

Wikipedia is a good place to start looking. They have an article on Fariy Tales in general, and also one on Little Red Riding Hood. This page also links to various versions of the fairy tale, for example from the Brothers Grimm.

[hazyhazy]

I'm not sure, but I think it may be Angela Carter you're thinking of, she's certainly known for her feminist reinterpretations of classic fairytales.

[mycatis]

Have you read "The Hogfather" by Terry Pratchett?  He makes some excellent points about myths and fairy stories and how they are all about blood & fear and stuff (if you go back far enough) I know its a funny book but really gets you thinking

[bandy]

Fairy tales in general all have meaning and symbolism.  They generally all had an element of transformation in them.  A good book to read is The Wisdom of Fairy Tales by Rudolf Meyer.

 

[nicola_red]

I was also gonna mention Angela Carter - I love her books.  Also, a company called Marisa Von Stockert do contemporary dance pieces that are modern interpretations of fairy tales - their most recent one was called More Grim(m) desires and I loved it!