A Cultural History of Fairy Tales in the Middle Ages

This cultural history examines how fairy tales evolved across continents from 900 to 1500, tracing the transformation of epic hero narratives and enchanted folklore through diverse medieval societies. Aronstein presents a truly global perspective, analyzing how these foundational stories were adapted as they traveled between England, France, India, and China, revealing what these variations tell us about the values and anxieties of different cultures. The book demonstrates that medieval fairy tales were never static but constantly reshaped through translation and circulation, serving as cultural mirrors for societies grappling with changing social structures and belief systems.

What distinguishes this study is its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from literary analysis, historical context, and cultural theory to unpack how these narratives functioned in their original contexts. Readers interested in medieval history, comparative literature, or folklore studies will find particularly valuable insights into how familiar story patterns took shape across different civilizations. The book successfully bridges academic rigor with accessible analysis, making complex cultural transmissions understandable while preserving their richness. This exploration fundamentally changes how we understand the origins and purposes of fairy tales, revealing them as dynamic cultural artifacts rather than timeless children's stories.