Snow White

Snow White is a fictional character and a main character from a European fairy tale most commonly associated with the Brothers Grimm. The German version of the fairy tale was first published in 1812 as part of the Grimm's Fairy Tales collection (Kinder- und Hausmärchen), under the title Schneewittchen.

Origin and History

The story of Snow White is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, with various versions existing in different European cultures. The most well-known version today is the one collected by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century. This version tells the story of a beautiful young girl named Snow White who is pursued by a jealous and wicked queen. The queen orders a huntsman to kill Snow White, but he cannot bring himself to do so and lets her escape into the forest.

Plot

In the Grimm version, Snow White takes refuge with seven dwarfs who live in the forest. The queen, discovering that Snow White is still alive, attempts to kill her three times. First, she disguises herself as a peddler and tightens Snow White's corset to suffocate her. The dwarfs save Snow White and warn her not to open the door to strangers. The queen then disguises herself as a comb seller and stabs Snow White with a poisoned comb. The dwarfs save her again. Finally, the queen disguises herself as a farmer's wife and offers Snow White a poisoned apple. Snow White falls into a death-like sleep. A prince, who had previously met and fallen in love with Snow White, finds her and awakens her. The queen is invited to their wedding and, as punishment, is forced to dance in red-hot iron shoes until she dies.

Adaptations

The story of Snow White has been adapted into numerous forms of media, including theatre, film, television, and literature. The most famous adaptation is the 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Walt Disney Productions. This film is notable for being the first full-length cel-animated feature in motion picture history.

Themes and Analysis

The story of Snow White explores themes such as jealousy, beauty, and the struggle between good and evil. It also contains elements of the Cinderella archetype, with a young girl being mistreated by a wicked stepmother and eventually finding happiness with a prince.