The Very Short Introductions Podcast Fairy Tale – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 20
Dec 17, 2020
Marina Warner, a celebrated writer and cultural historian teaching at Birkbeck College, delves into the enchanting world of fairy tales. She explores their defining features and enduring appeal, revealing how they give voice to ordinary heroes. Warner credits Angela Carter for reshaping her perception of these narratives. She discusses the balance of cruelty and hope within fairy tales and argues for the importance of their happy endings. Additionally, she addresses recent representations of strong female protagonists and the ecological themes woven into these timeless stories.
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Childhood Love Reignited By Angela Carter
- Marina Warner recalls first loving fairy tales as a child with a bookseller father who gave her access to many books.
- She later felt shame as a teen when fairy tales were derided until Angela Carter's retellings renewed her appreciation.
Anonymous Voices Hold Popular Wisdom
- Fairy tales voice anonymous, ordinary people rather than famous authors or historical figures.
- Warner argues this produces a reservoir of folk wisdom often excluded from canonical literature.
Magic Enables Transformative Endings
- Fairy tales typically promise a happy ending and allow magical possibilities to drive change.
- Warner highlights magic, talking animals, and enchanted objects as core features that enable transformation.
