The Origins of Snow White

When one thinks of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the iconic 1937 animated film by Walt Disney usually comes to mind. However, the tale of Snow White has deep roots that can be traced back to folk traditions and fairy tales, primarily those collected by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century.

The Brothers Grimm and Snow White

Contrary to popular belief, the story of Snow White was not originally written by Disney. It is a 19th-century German fairy tale that was first published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812. The tale had been circulating orally for centuries before it was finally documented, reflecting the rich tapestry of folk stories that enriched European culture.

Original Story Elements and Variations

The tale of Snow White has several original variations, one of which introduces a very dark and different ending. In this original story, Snow White gets choked and poisoned by a comb before the apple ever comes into play. This is a stark contrast to the well-known Disney adaptation. Additionally, the Evil Queen requests the huntsman to bring back Snow White's lungs and liver, an element that is not present in the Disney version.

Here’s a twist: in the story as written by the Brothers Grimm, the huntsman kills a boar and brings the queen its lungs and liver, which she then eats. This gruesome detail shows the darker side of the story, which is omitted in the Disney adaptation.

The Influence of Earlier Stories

Some historians and scholars believe that the Grimm Brothers' Snow White story could have been influenced by even earlier oral traditions. One such theory involves a tale known as "Snow White" and "Rose Red," which has intriguing parallels with the Snow White story.

In this tale, two little girls, Snow White and Rose Red, encounter a bear that is actually a transformed prince. This prince has been enchanted by a wicked dwarf who lives in the woods. The dwarf gets himself into various scrapes, but the girls always save him. However, the dwarf is ungrateful. One fateful day, the girls, along with the bear, come across the dwarf, and the bear kills the dwarf, transforming him into a beautiful prince who marries Snow White, while the prince's brother marries Rose Red.

Disney’s Adaptation and Its Impact

While the original Grimm Brothers' tale set the foundation for the Snow White we know, Walt Disney’s 1937 animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, marked a significant milestone in pop culture history. The film’s screenplay was notably crafted by a group of talented writers, including Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander, Dick Rickard, Earl Hurd, Merrill De Maris, Dorothy Ann Blank, and Webb Smith, who brought the enduring story to life with animation and music.

Disney’s adaptation, while drawing from the original story, also introduced new elements that made the tale more child-friendly and appealing to a wider audience, thus cementing Snow White as one of the most recognized and beloved characters in popular culture.

Whether it’s the Brothers Grimm’s original tale, the darker elements of the story, or the Disney adaptation, the story of Snow White continues to captivate and inspire generations. From its humble origins to its place in modern cultural folklore, the tale of Snow White remains a testament to the enduring power of folk tales and fairy stories.