I love Carousels, the music and lights and beautiful rococo styling. Horses, swans, strange fantasy steeds. No amusement ride could be more enchanting. A Link Carousel is something a little different though, it is a rotating series of links to interesting websites and articles provided regularly on a blog, and I’ve decided to start one for Princess Portal. The theme for this week’s Carousel is Fairy Tales.
Making Fairy Tales from Personal Stories
I found this article really interesting! Its about a method of creating Fairy Tales from personal experiences as a way of dealing with them and coming to better understand the emotions and meanings of your own stories. Fairy Tales use a lot of powerful metaphors and I wonder sometimes, how many of our traditional tales may have started off this way. The author refers to having a coach to help you with the process, but I think it would be feasible to try on your own too.
The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault
Many of the famous Fairy Tales we know today were first published in Charles Perrault’s Mother Goose Tales. His are in most cases my favourite versions of the tales, being both beautifully described and set in a world that was full of enchantment and royal splendour. His tales all have Morals, and tend to be a little more refined than some of the folk tales collected by the Brothers Grimm. You can also read his works in French here.
The Art of Kinuko Y. Craft
Of my favourite artists, K. Y. Craft would easily place among the top five. I first saw her work as a little girl, reading a picture book of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, wonderously illustrated by her. Even still, it is her images that come to mind when I think of this story, each work is laced with secrets, enchantment and something ethereal that I can’t quite name. If you ever get the chance to look at one of her picture books, it is well worth the time.
The Storyteller Series
Jim Henson’s little known series of Fairy Tale adaptions. They are a bit dark, a bit fey and very magical indeed. There are only nine stories in the original series and my favourite is Sapsorrow. The artistry of these productions is quite remarkable, considering they were made in the days before CG. Some of the tales may be a little scary for younger children. If you enjoy these previews please buy the DVDs and support the studio that made them!
SurLaLune Fairy Tales
This Carousel would not be complete without a link to the wonderful SurLaLune. This is one of my favourite websites ever, here you will find the history, interpretations, illustrations and adaptions of our most beloved tales. Many of the versions on the site are from Andrew Lang’s series of Fairy Books which are also well worth reading if you can find copies. If you’re ever curious about the origins of a tale, there is no better place to look!
January 8th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Hello dear Skye,
I am delighted to read about these links, and I will try them all soon! Unfortunately I have to go now, so I don’t have the time to read and watch it all now.
I think the idea of a link carousel for Princess Portal is a very good idea. I’m looking forward to the rest of these themes.
With kind regards,
Nao.
Ps: thank you for your permission for using your writing in my thesis.
January 8th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Have you seen any of the Faerie tale Theater shows? I’m curious because you have seen The Storyteller. Which your right are simply marvelous. And Sapsorrow is also my favorite. But then I enjoy All fur which it’s an adaptation of.
January 8th, 2008 at 7:11 am
I adore carousels too! I use to ride them often when I was little now..not so much but that’ll change :) I find that when Im scared or lonely making up a fairy tale or putting myself in another is a great way to entertain and its sort of comforting in an way that only certain people (such as yourself) will understand. The links are great Ill look them over when time allows thanks for posting!
January 8th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I agree carousels are very enchanting. The beautiful little carvings and detail never fail to amaze me.
Now-adays I am making up my very own fairy tale for times when I need to escape. I usually write them down in my Diary, pretending I am a princess that has been kidnapped from her kingdom and has to live in this scary world in disguise. It’s so much fun! Though many think it’s weird.
I especially like the first link. It is really good.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I adore carousels they always enchant me. I cannot wait to go through all your links, it should prove to be very fun. I think I will write out my forest adventure over Christmas out as a fairy tale.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Nao ~ I’m glad you like the links and you’re welcome!
Softpaw ~ Yes I’ve seen a few of the Fairy Tale Theater episodes but I’m afraid I didn’t like them as much. There were some pretty sets though! Have you read Donkeyskin? Thats another fairy tale related to Sapsorrow.
Nialla ~ I do that a lot too! It is just a different way of thinking about things and as you say, quite comforting. Lets both make an effort to ride a Carousel again this year!
Princess Desi ~ I think your personal fairytale sounds wonderfully exciting!
Naomi ~ I would love to read your forest adventure fairy tale!
January 11th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Bonsoir^^
I like carrousels too : it’s so romantic !
Charles Perrault ’s fairy tales are so great ! and the illustrations by Gustave Doré are the best.
bises