Fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and Little Red Riding Hood often have darker, more cautionary origins than their popularized versions, such as the Little Mermaid dying and the Little Red Riding Hood being eaten. These tales were originally meant as cautionary stories, and the nuance of the stories lay in the lessons they were intended to teach. Additionally, the speaker highlights the distinctions between parables, myths, and stories, emphasizing that parables focus on teaching simple moral lessons, while myths and stories cover a broader range of themes. The responsibility of the storyteller in understanding and communicating the nuances of different storytelling tools and their intentions towards the audience is discussed, underlining the significance and impact of storytelling in shaping perceptions and narratives.