FAQs
Is Sleeping Beauty Aurora?
While Sleeping Beauty is often associated with the name Aurora, it's important to distinguish between the character and the story itself. Sleeping Beauty is the title of the fairy tale. It can refer to various versions of the story, existing across different regions and cultures.
Aurora is the name of the princess in the specific version of "Sleeping Beauty" created by Walt Disney in their 1959 animated film. This version draws inspiration from various sources, including the tale by Charles Perrault, but adds its own elements and modifications.
Who wrote “The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood”?
Charles Perrault wrote "The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood," also known as "Sleeping Beauty" or "La Belle au bois dormant" in French. It was first published in his book titled "Histoires ou contes du temps passé" (Histories or Tales of Past Times) in 1697.
Which is the original “Sleeping Beauty”?
Determining the single "original" “Sleeping Beauty” story is challenging; however, there are two contenders often considered foundational versions:
Perceforest: This lengthy medieval French romance (published in 1528) includes a character named Zellandine who falls into a magical sleep but is eventually awakened by a prince. This early version shares similarities with elements of the classic Sleeping Beauty narrative, including the princess, the curse, and the prince who breaks it.
Sun, Moon, and Talia: This Italian tale written by Giambattista Basile and included in his 1634-36 collection "Pentamerone" features a princess named Talia who gets cursed with a spindle prick and sleeps for a hundred years. Upon waking, she finds she has given birth to twins fathered by the king, who unintentionally stumbled upon her slumber. While containing darker and more complex elements compared to later versions, "Sun, Moon, and Talia" significantly influenced the evolution of the Sleeping Beauty story.
What are the most famous versions of “Sleeping Beauty”?
While numerous versions of "Sleeping Beauty" exist across cultures and time periods, some stand out for their widespread recognition and cultural impact:
Charles Perrault's "The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood" (1697): This French version is often considered the most influential and widely recognized rendition of the story. It introduced the seven good fairies, the iconic spindle prick, and the "happily ever after" ending familiar to many.
The Brothers Grimm's "Little Briar-Rose" (1812): This German version retains several core elements from Perrault's tale but differs in some crucial aspects. Notably, the princess remains unnamed and awakens not through a kiss but due to the passage of time.
Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" (1959): This animated film adaptation significantly shaped the modern-day perception of the Sleeping Beauty story. It drew inspiration from both Perrault and Grimm's versions, introducing new characters like Maleficent and creating iconic visuals that cemented the tale in popular culture.
