The original Beauty and the Beast tale. Source: Shop Mr. Katin
Who Wrote the Original Beauty and the Beast?
Let's take a trip back to the extravagant salons of 17th century France. The captivating story of Beauty and the Beast was penned by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve. Published in 1740 as part of La Jeune Américaine, et Les Contes Marins, Villeneuve's La Belle et La Bête was a true masterpiece of storytelling. Unlike its shorter adaptations, this original novella delved deeper into the lives of both Belle and the Beast, intertwining their backstories in a magical and enchanting way.
According to the original tale, the Beast was once a young prince who suffered a tragic loss, with his mother having to fight to protect their kingdom. Left in the care of an evil fairy, the prince faced a transformation into a beast after rejecting her advances. On the other hand, Belle's true identity is revealed - she is not just a merchant's daughter but the offspring of a king and a benevolent fairy. The wicked fairy attempted to murder Belle, hoping to marry her father, but she was hidden away as a merchant's deceased daughter to ensure her safety.
The Most Popular Beauty and the Beast Tale
Aside from the beloved Disney version, the tale that resonates most with readers is the abridged version by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (1711 - 1780). Beaumont trimmed down the cast of characters and simplified the story, transforming it into a quintessential fairy tale. Originally published in 1756 as "La Belle et La Bête," this version was aimed at entertaining young readers. As we explore Beaumont's adaptations, we can also glimpse the social and political changes in France during that era.
The Oldest Beauty and the Beast Story
Did you know that the Beauty and the Beast story may have roots in ancient mythology? Scholars believe that the tale might be connected to the ancient chronicle of Cupid and Psyche from the Latin novel Metamorphoses, written by Apuleius in the 2nd century CE. This myth is considered one of the oldest known literary fairy tales, and it tells the story of Psyche, banished to a mountaintop by a jealous Venus, and her marriage to a mysterious beast who turns out to be the god of love, Cupid.
Art depicting Cupid and Psyche. Source: Shop Mr. Katin
Beauty's Beasts from Around the World
Stories and myths have traveled across generations and continents, revealing similarities in tales from different corners of the world. For instance, we find comparable elements in the Indian Panchatantra, where a woman marries a snake, and the Russian and Chinese versions replace the French beast with different creatures. From a "Small-tooth dog" in an English story to a "Bear Prince" in a Swiss variant, these tales showcase the universality of the theme found in Beauty and the Beast.
Cover art for a book on dark fairy tales. Source: Shop Mr. Katin
Conclusion
The story of Beauty and the Beast has captivated and inspired readers, writers, and artists throughout the ages. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of love and the importance of looking beyond appearances. As we delve into these timeless tales, we continue to discover new wonders and insights that enrich our understanding of this beloved fairy tale.
Art depicting Beauty and the Beast. Source: Shop Mr. Katin
