Story Summary
Experience the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, where a cursed princess falls into a century-long slumber until a brave prince breaks the spell with a kiss.
Once, a King and Queen celebrated the birth of their daughter, Aurora, by inviting seven fairies to bestow gifts. However, an uninvited wicked fairy, furious at being overlooked, cursed the infant: on her sixteenth birthday, she would prick her finger on a spindle and die. A kind fairy, unable to undo the curse, softened it so the princess would instead fall into a deep sleep for a hundred years. Despite the King's command to burn every spindle in the land, the prophecy was fulfilled when Aurora discovered a hidden spinning wheel in a remote tower. She pricked her finger and instantly fell into a magical slumber, along with everyone else in the castle. A dense forest of thorns grew around the walls, hiding them from the world. A century later, a brave prince braved the thickets and reached the tower. Enchanted by her beauty, he kissed her, breaking the spell. The princess and her kingdom awoke, and they lived happily ever after.
The Moral
Goodness and destiny ultimately prevail over malice, and even the longest wait can lead to a beautiful awakening.
“But it shall not be death, but a deep sleep of a hundred years, into which the princess shall fall.”
Fun Fact
The earliest version of the story can be traced back to the 14th-century prose 'Perceforest,' long before the Grimm Brothers popularized it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Sleeping Beauty?
The moral is that true love and goodness can conquer evil curses, and that some destinies cannot be avoided but can be softened by kindness. It also emphasizes that patience is often required for the right moment of resolution.
Who is the main antagonist in Sleeping Beauty?
The antagonist is a wicked fairy (often called Maleficent in modern versions) who curses the princess after being excluded from a royal celebration. Her character represents the destructive power of spite and resentment.
How long did Sleeping Beauty sleep?
In the traditional versions of the tale, the princess and her entire court sleep for exactly one hundred years. This duration ensures that the world outside has changed significantly before she is awakened.
What caused the princess to fall asleep?
The princess pricked her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, fulfilling a curse placed upon her at birth. Despite the King's efforts to destroy all spindles, she found one hidden in a high tower.
How did the Prince find the castle?
The Prince heard legends of a beautiful princess hidden behind an impenetrable forest of thorns. Driven by courage and curiosity, he found that the thorns parted for him because the hundred years had finally passed.
Are there different versions of Sleeping Beauty?
Yes, the most famous versions are by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. Earlier versions like 'Sun, Moon, and Talia' are much darker, while the Disney adaptation added the name Aurora and expanded the roles of the fairies.
