Cinderella

Cinderella is a popular fairy tale embodying a classic folk tale myth-element of unjust oppression/triumphant reward, of which there were hundreds of versions before modern times. The earliest version of the story originated in China around A.D. 860. more...

It appeared in The Miscellaneous Record of You Yang (酉阳杂俎) by Tuan Ch'eng-Shih, a book which dates from the Tang Dynasty. The best-known version was written by the French author, Charles Perrault in 1697, based on a common folk tale earlier recorded by Giambattista Basile as La Gatta Cennerentola in 1634, but, especially in the English speaking world, the animated film from Walt Disney Productions, (see Cinderella (1950 film)) has become the standard contemporary version despite the fact that it somewhat sanitises the original plotline.

It is Aarne-Thompson type 510A, the persecuted heroine.

Plot

The familiar plot revolves around a girl deprived of her rightful station in the family and given the cruel nickname "Cinderella" by her horrible stepmother and step-sisters. Forced into a life of domestic servitude, hence the nickname, as she was forced to tend the fireplace, Cinderella accepts the help of her attendant spirit ("fairy godmother") who transforms her to attend a royal ball and attract the attention of the handsome prince. In some versions of the tale, there are three balls, though most tellings mention only one.

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