What legends and fairy tales are your favorite?

Question

I hope to trace a link between ancient legends , fairy tales and modern literature/fantasy

Answer 1

When I was a child, I heard the legend of the Snow Queen for the first time. It was on a cheap live action video I rented out of my local library. I was 6 years old, and I became fascinated with it. The story played out in my imagination. I recall placing myself in Kai's position, and in the naivete of youth was sure if it ever happened my friend Ann would come rescue me.

Years later I remember reading the Hans Christian Anderson version, and it paled in comparison to the story I remembered, or thought I remembered, or envisioned. I sought out other versions of the story, and the story still played in my head, though being older I was equally able to envision myself as Gerda as Kai (though I think much of my fantasizing about being Kai was fascination with the Snow Queen herself as his gender).

The best version I found was a sci-fi (of all things) written by Joan D. Vinge by the same name. Here was an incredible story that told all the important elements of the original (the heroine who rescues the boy, her journey through time, the boy's corruption by the Queen, the girl's captivity by bandits, etc.) but in a marvelous new setting, with deeply entrancing characters and dazzlingly resplendent writing. (I encountered more words I didn't know in that book than any other as an adult.)

Also, it gave me a little hope. Apparently the HCA version was based on older legends which he Christianized (the Christian elements were what I didn't like in the original, actually. I have no problem with Christianity or Christian stories but the Christian elements were so jarringly out of place and poorly integrated it diminished the story). I'd still like to get a hold of these.

In the meantime, I'd recommend the book to you. It's one of the best I've ever read, my particular fascination with the Snow Queen aside. The author also has an interview at the back where she talks about the legends, archetypal roles, and why she chose to write this kind of story (it was published back in 1980, when female sci-fi heroes were rare indeed).

Answer 2

I once heard a tale or legaend how the sun and the moon fell in love and got in trouble and were then put into the sky. LOvers for always but can only touch or kiss upon the eclips that comes once evey year. Legen folklure, i forgot where i herd it its kind of like the wolf and the hawk (hawklady) great movie and romance michell piffier was in it. I would love to know more about the lovrs the moon and the sun and a site were i can find pics and the story. Thinking celtic, or viking ere were i herd this story

Answer 3

My favorite fairy tales is the twelve dancing princesses but I loved the Aesop fables as a child. Legends I loved where mainly from Greek mythology like the story about the minotaur and Troy.

Answer 4

One of my favorite legends has to be the King Arthur story...everything from involving the Wiccan culture to the love triangle with Lancelet, Guinevere, and Arthur, and even the Merlin and the battles of trying to keep the Saxons out of Britannia. It is most definitely my favorite legend.

Answer 5

One of my favorites is the original Little Mermaid, I believe it's by hans Christian Anderson. I love Norse mythology, such as Thor and Loki. One of my favorite things ever is The Torment of Tantalus.

Answer 6

The walrus and the carpenter as told by Mat Damon in Dogma.

Answer 7

The story of Alexander the Great and the Gordion Knot. In fact, I named my son after it.

Answer 8

Beowolf

Answer 9

I grew up in British Columbia, so enjoy Sasquash Stories.

Answer 10

i like italian fairy tales the best...
and the sick ones like the old aladdin