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Overdue

Ep 684 - Thornhedge, by T. Kingfisher

Jan 6, 2025
Dive into a whimsical retelling of classic fairy tales with T. Kingfisher's 'Thornhedge,' where Sleeping Beauty might not want to wake up. Explore the darker origins of beloved stories and the complexities of morality through the lens of Toadling, a unique fae character. The lively conversation also touches on the cultural impact of Maleficent and the importance of mentorship in creative fields. Engage with the characters' struggles and moral dilemmas while enjoying the hosts' light-hearted banter throughout.
58:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • T. Kingfisher's 'Thornhedge' reimagines Sleeping Beauty, positioning the sleeping princess as a villain and subverting traditional fairy tale narratives.
  • The character Toadling embodies a unique blend of innocence and complexity, grappling with identity, guilt, and her connection to her magical heritage.

Deep dives

Introduction to Thornhedge and T. Kingfisher

Thornhedge is a novella written by T. Kingfisher, the pen name of Ursula Vernon, and it is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. This work embraces the genre of fairy tale adaptations, showcasing Vernon's unique storytelling style. She combines elements of horror, fantasy, and romance, creating a rich narrative that explores deeper themes beneath surface-level fairy tale tropes. Kingfisher’s impactful storytelling is evident in her decision to present a sleeping princess as the villain, flipping traditional narratives on their heads.

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