Why are some fairytales told or read to children despite their occasional mature subject matter?

Question

For example: The Juniper Tree

Answer 1

Nearly all fairy tales as we know them today are very watered down versions. The originals were incredibly grim and dark. They were not meant to be pretty bedtime stories. They were written with the intent of scaring kids into behaving a certain way.

Answer 2

This is part of a broader, complex issue. The world was, and still is, scary. We (adults) know that, and kids often know that. Fairy tales are an objectification of fears, so that you can put them away. They're also a way to teach some people that there are others out there very willing to do them harm, so be careful. Also, why do people watch scary movies? There is a certain catharsis to them, but sometimes it's also so we can say, "Wow, my life isn't so freaky after all." And it's also so we don't open that damn basement door.

Answer 3

Nearly all fairy tales in their original format were written FOR adults...and then used to frighten children. Even Little Red Riding Hood. You want an example? Read Anderson's Little Mermaid. No rainbows there...

Answer 4

Yeah, even the "supposedly" innocent fairytales have a dark tone to them. In Hansel and Gretel, an evil witch is trying to cook and eat them. In Goldilocks & the 3 Bears, she gets eaten by a bear.
When Humpty Dumpty falls off the wall he pretty much kills himself. Maybe this is why I had nightmares so much as a kid......

Answer 5

Fairytails started out to scare children because there were no babysitters back 150 years ago. when parents left there kids alone they wanted them to stay .

Answer 6

Not familiar with that one, but I would say tradition. Grimm's fairy tales WERE grim. Children's songs were pretty nasty, too - like Ring Around the Rosy about death and the plague.

Answer 7

in the original sleeping beauty, she was raped by the prince and later bore 3 children....