Cinderella

The repertoire of fairy tales heard in one’s childhood isn’t complete without the tale of Cinderella. Cinderella is a classical folk tale that is well-known across the world. The tale is woven around overcoming unjust oppression. The oldest version of the story is said to have been recorded by Strabo, a Greek historian in the first century BC.

There are several twists and variations in the Cinderella story. However, a more well-known version of the story goes like this: Cinderella is ill-treated by her evil stepmother and two step-sisters in her own house, but Cinderella never stops dreaming about a Prince, who will rescue her from all her troubles. Upon receiving invitation for a Royal ball, Cinderella wants to go but doesn’t have the right resources. With the help of Fairy Godmother, a pumpkin is turned to a coach, mice into a team of horses and a rat into a driver. Cinderella’s clothing is also transformed from rags to a splendid costume, with beautiful jewellery and slippers. However, the magic will come to end at the stroke of midnight hour. At the party her charm enchants the prince and they dance together. As she runs off at the stroke of midnight, she leaves one of her slippers behind. What ensues after this is the search of the prince to find his princess, through the entire kingdom, only to discover that Cinderella indeed is his princess.

This rags-to-riches story has found takers all across the world. This story has been made into serials, opera, ballet, musical comedy, albums, etc. among others. Additionally, there are several films that have been made featuring Cinderella, which include Cinderella, an animated film by Walt Disney, The Glass Slipper, The Slipper and the Rose, a British musical starring Gemma Craven and Richard Chamberlain, among others.