Search SFE    Search EoF

  Omit cross-reference entries  

Encyclopedia of Fantasy (1997)
Fairy Godmother

Tagged: Theme.

The archetypal Fairy Godmother appears in "Cinderella" (1697) by Charles Perrault, where she provides the magical means by which Cinderella is able to go to the ball. Perrault used the feature of fairies attending christenings in his first Fairytale, "Sleeping Beauty" (1696), where it was the oversight in neglecting to invite one of the Fairies that caused the Curse to be laid on the baby. The Fairy Godmother has its origin in the Greek legend of the Fates: Sleeping Beauty falls into her deep sleep after her finger is pricked by the needle held by an old lady who is spinning. However, the Fairy Godmother as developed by Perrault has aspects of the guardian Angel and patron saint (see Patrons) – a supernatural being who has dominion and protection over our fate. [MA]



x
This website uses cookies.  More information here. Accept Cookies