Modern Fairy Tales to Make You Believe in Magic Again
Tales of fantasy, magic, and myth have been around since the dawn of storytelling. Fairy tales are a type of folklore, passed down from generation to generation as a way to teach lessons, while also entertaining through wondrous and thrilling adventures. Though we’ve grown up now, we can still use the timeless lessons classics tales such as Snow White, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast impart on us in our own lives.
But the modern-day world has no shortage of enchanting and engrossing stories, even if we do lack witches, talking animals, and magic beans. Let’s take a look at some modern fairy tales that have made believers out of us again, from both print and screen.
Where to Find Modern Fairy Tales
Modern fairy tales come in all different shapes and sizes, from kooky movies to darkly humorous novels. Below we explore a few of the most beguiling ones to get you started on your journey:
Movies
● The Princess Bride: This beloved classic tells the story of a young girl and her beloved grandfather who reads her a heroic adventure about a stable boy and a princess. The two characters defy death and battle monstrous villains, ultimately achieving their “happily ever after.”
● Spirited Away: This critically acclaimed Academy Award-winning animated film follows the story of Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself in an alternate realm filled with strange and magical creatures. Forced to work off a debt she owes the local witch, Chihiro discovers the power of friendship, courage, and self-sacrifice on her journey.
● Stardust: A truly enchanting story starring Charlie Cox as Tristan, a young man who goes on a quest to obtain a fallen star and win the hand of his true love. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, this tale is full of adventure, romance, and surprises.
Books
● Coraline: Written by Neil Gaiman, this darkly delightful novel follows Coraline, a young girl who has moved to a new home with her parents. After discovering a secret door in her house, Coraline enters and finds an evil version of her family, who have nefarious plans for her.
● Ella Enchanted: Gail Carson Levine’s award-winning novel tells the story of a young girl who is cursed with obedience. Despite her odd predicament, Ella is determined to break the spell and discover her own identity and self-worth.
● The Spiderwick Chronicles: This novel series tells the tale of three siblings who move into Spiderwick Estate and stumble upon a magical world. Filled with danger and adventure, the siblings learn how to stop an evil ogre and restore the balance of power in the world.
Modern Fairy Tale Themes
What exactly have these modern stories revealed to us about the world? Well, contemporary authors, screenwriters, and filmmakers have used them to explore different themes, from female empowerment and self-discovery, to acceptance and understanding of others. Here are just some of the themes that are explored in modern fairy tales:
● Female Empowerment: Though many classic fairy tales were centered on traditional gender roles and expectations, many modern stories demonstrate that women are able to take on heroic roles and be independent and courageous. Some examples include Merida in Brave, Rapunzel in Tangled, and Moana in Moana.
● Environment: In recent years, there has been a focus on the environment in contemporary fairy tales. For example, Avatar takes place on the planet Pandora and follows the struggle of the native Na’vi people fighting to save their home from human exploitation. The Lorax is another excellent example, highlighting the importance of environmental protection.
● Cultural Appreciation: We can also find stories that celebrate cultural diversity, such as Mulan and Coco. These modern tales demonstrate an appreciation for culture and remind us that we are all connected and should strive to treat each other with respect and understanding.
Why We Love Modern Fairy Tales
Though contemporary fairy tales are different from their classic counterparts, that doesn’t mean that we can’t take away something valuable from them. In fact, modern stories can have a great impact on us, imparting us with a renewed sense of wonder and belief in magic.
Instant Recognition: One of the things we love most about modern fairy tales is the instant recognition we feel. We can immediately recognize classic tropes and archetypes, while we also get to see our favorite characters come to life in new and exciting ways. With a well-written story, these elements come alive and create an enjoyable and immersive experience.
A Fresh Perspective: By updating classic tales and giving them a modern twist, we’re not only able to identify with the characters, but we’re also exposed to new ideas, concepts, and values. Many of these stories are more than just simple tales of heroism and romance, as they often tackle difficult topics such as racism and discrimination.
Believing in the Impossible: Lastly, modern fairy tales remind us that anything is possible, no matter how far-fetched the fantasy. It’s a reminder that through persistence and hard work, we can achieve greatness and bring about incredible change in the world.
Fairy tales have been with us since time immemorial and always will be. But with modern stories, we don’t have to rely on the same old classics to retain our faith in the power of story and magic. From movies to books, there are a plethora of options to choose from that are sure to captivate and inspire. So, take a leap of faith and jump into the marvelous world of modern fairy tales!
