Beauty and the Beast

1740 France

Story

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills, lived a kind and gentle girl named Beauty. She was the youngest of three sisters and known throughout the village for her grace and compassion. Beauty's family had fallen on hard times, losing their wealth, but they remained close-knit and content.

One day, Beauty's father set out on a journey to find his fortune, hoping to restore his family's prosperity. Before leaving, he asked each of his daughters what gifts they would like him to bring back. While her sisters requested jewels and finery, Beauty asked for a simple rose, as she found beauty in the delicate petals that bloomed in the village gardens.

As her father ventured through the nearby woods, he encountered a mysterious castle hidden deep within the trees. Seeking shelter from a sudden storm, he entered, only to find no inhabitants except for enchanted objects that could talk and move.

The master of the castle, a once-handsome prince now cursed to live as a beast, appeared. He explained that the curse could only be broken if someone truly learned to love him despite his appearance, and he offered the rose-seeking father shelter in return for a promise: one of his daughters must come to live in the castle.

Upon his return, Beauty's father recounted the tale, and despite his hesitation, Beauty volunteered to go to the castle in her father's place. She arrived at the enchanted castle, where the Beast treated her with surprising kindness and respect.

Days turned into weeks, and Beauty discovered the castle's magical wonders, including an enchanted rose that played a significant role in the curse. As she spent time with the Beast, she saw beyond his fearsome exterior and recognized the loneliness in his eyes.

In the quiet moments within the castle walls, Beauty and the Beast shared stories, laughter, and even a dance in the grand ballroom. Slowly, the walls around the Beast's heart began to crumble, and Beauty's compassion worked its magic.

One day, as the last petal of the enchanted rose fell, the Beast, now deeply in love with Beauty, transformed into the handsome prince he once was. The curse was broken, and the castle, once shrouded in enchantment, sparkled with newfound life.

Beauty and the prince, now free from the curse, married and lived happily in the castle. The once-enchanted objects celebrated their restoration to human form, and the castle gardens flourished with the beauty of a thousand roses.

History and Meaning

The story of "Beauty and the Beast" can be traced back to a traditional fairy tale that has its origins in different cultures across Europe. The idea of a kind-hearted girl redeeming a cursed or monstrous figure appears in various folktales.

The tale gained popularity in the 18th century when French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote an elaborate version of "Beauty and the Beast" in 1740. Her narrative was quite lengthy and included numerous subplots and characters.

A shorter and more accessible version was later written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. Beaumont's version is the one that became widely known and has since become the basis for many adaptations.

In the traditional story, a merchant with six children loses his fortune. Beauty, the youngest daughter, becomes the family's savior by willingly going to live with the Beast to save her father. Over time, Beauty and the Beast form a deep connection, and through her kindness and love, the Beast is transformed into a handsome prince.

The tale emphasizes the transformative power of love and the importance of inner beauty. It also carries moral lessons about kindness, compassion, and looking beyond outward appearances.

"Beauty and the Beast" continued to be retold and adapted. The Brothers Grimm included a version titled "The Singing, Springing Lark" in their collection of folktales.

In the 20th century, Disney's animated film "Beauty and the Beast" in 1991 is famous for bringing the story to a global audience.