13 best loved literary fairy tales

Loved literary fairy tales are timeless stories that have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for generations. They often feature fantastical elements, magical creatures, and moral lessons. Here are some well-known examples of loved literary fairy tales:

  1. "Cinderella": This classic tale tells the story of a mistreated young woman who, with the help of her fairy godmother, attends a royal ball and captures the heart of a prince. The story emphasizes kindness, resilience, and the belief that good things can happen to those who deserve them.

  2. "Snow White": This story revolves around a princess who, after being targeted by her evil stepmother, seeks refuge in a cottage with seven dwarfs. The tale highlights themes of jealousy, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

  3. "Little Red Riding Hood": In this cautionary tale, a young girl encounters a wolf while on her way to visit her grandmother. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of trusting strangers and the importance of being cautious.

  4. "Hansel and Gretel": Siblings Hansel and Gretel find themselves in a perilous situation after being abandoned in the woods by their parents. They stumble upon a house made of sweets, but it belongs to a cunning witch. The story illustrates resourcefulness and the importance of family bonds.

  5. "Beauty and the Beast": This tale explores the transformative power of love and kindness. A young woman, Beauty, finds herself in the castle of a fearsome beast but learns to see beyond his appearance, ultimately breaking a curse.

  6. "The Little Mermaid": Hans Christian Andersen's story follows a mermaid who sacrifices her voice for the chance to live on land and pursue the love of a human prince. It delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's desires.

  7. "The Ugly Duckling": Another Andersen classic, this tale centers around a cygnet (young swan) who is shunned for his appearance.He grows up believing he is ugly until he transforms into a beautiful swan, teaching a lesson about self-acceptance and inner beauty.

  8. "Rumpelstiltskin": This story revolves around a miller's daughter who is forced to spin straw into gold under threat of death. With the help of a mysterious little man, she accomplishes the task but must give up her firstborn child unless she can guess his name.

  9. "The Frog Prince": This story tells of a princess who befriends a frog, only to discover that he is under a spell. Through her kindness, he is transformed back into a prince. The tale emphasizes the power of promises and the importance of keeping them.

  10. "The Three Little Pigs": In this tale, three pig siblings each build houses of different materials—straw, sticks, and bricks. When a wolf tries to blow their houses down, only the one made of bricks withstands. The story imparts a lesson about the value of hard work and preparation.

These fairy tales, among others, have endured through the ages due to their universal themes, memorable characters, and the enduring lessons they impart. They continue to be beloved by readers of all ages and have inspired countless adaptations in literature, film, and other forms of media.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best loved literary fairy tales on the market
  

Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark (Nordic Folklore and Stories, Illustrated Nordic Book for Teens and Adults) (Tales of)

Chronicle Books

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Pages & Co.: The Lost Fairy Tales

Based on 237 reviews Check latest price

Shadow and Evil in Fairy Tales: Revised Edition (C. G. Jung Foundation Books Series Book 1)

Based on 87 reviews Check latest price

Best-Loved Folktales of the World (The Anchor Folktale Library)

Anchor

Based on 87 reviews Check latest price

Beneath the Moon: Fairy Tales, Myths, and Divine Stories from Around the World

Ten Speed Press

Based on 695 reviews Check latest price

Beauty and the Beast – And Other Tales of Love in Unexpected Places (Origins of Fairy Tales from Around the World) (Origins of the Fairy Tales from Around the World)

Pook Press

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price

Cinderella – And Other Girls Who Lost Their Slippers (Origins of Fairy Tales from Around the World)

Pook Press

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes (Hackett Classics)

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Best of Polish Fairy Tales: What Is Destined to Come Shall Come

Based on 95 reviews Check latest price

The Girl in the Tower: A Novel

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Stardust

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings

Based on 388 reviews Check latest price

Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales

Canterbury Classics

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

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