Many stories in it reflect the social hierarchy. For example, in Cinderella, the stepmother and stepsisters represent the upper - class who mistreat the lower - class Cinderella.
Some stories in 'the best brothers grimm stories' like 'Rapunzel' show the traditional gender roles. Rapunzel is a damsel in distress waiting for a prince to rescue her, which was a common view of women in that time.
The stories often reflect themes of good versus evil. In that society, people had a clear view of what was right and wrong. For example, the evil stepmothers in some stories represent the wrongdoers, while the innocent children are the victims. This shows how society valued innocence and condemned cruel behavior.
Chinese best love stories often reflect family values. For example, in 'The Butterfly Lovers', family opposition was a major obstacle. This shows how important family opinions were in traditional Chinese society. And in 'The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl', the annual meeting across the Milky Way also implies the concept of perseverance in love in Chinese culture.
The stories often feature grand palaces and wealthy merchants, which reflects the economic prosperity of the Arabian culture at that time. For example, in the story of Aladdin, the detailed descriptions of the palaces show the opulence that was associated with royalty and the upper class.
Old russian folk stories reflect the culture in many ways. The presence of magic and superstition in the stories is a reflection of the beliefs of the time. Also, the way of life, like farming and hunting, is often depicted. For instance, a story might tell about a peasant who goes hunting and has an encounter with a magical creature. This shows that hunting was part of their daily life. Moreover, the social hierarchy can be seen in some stories, with nobles and peasants having different roles and fates. All these elements combined give us a good picture of the old Russian culture.
The Grimm brothers collected stories from various sources. They listened to oral tales told by peasants, storytellers, and local people in Germany. These were traditional stories that had been passed down through generations in families and communities.
The Brothers Grimm collected the stories by traveling around Germany and listening to people. They were interested in the oral traditions of the common folk. They would visit villages and small towns, and sit with the locals to hear their tales. They were careful to note down not just the stories but also the way they were told, with all the unique expressions and dialects. This way, they managed to compile a large collection of real folk stories that became known as the Brothers Grimm stories.
Iroquois scary stories often reflect their strong sense of community. For example, stories about evil spirits attacking lone individuals highlight the safety and support that comes from being part of the tribe. It shows that being alone can be dangerous, both in a physical and spiritual sense.
Navajo scary stories often reflect their close relationship with nature. For example, the creatures in the stories are often based on animals found in their native environment. This shows how they view nature as both a source of life and a place where the unknown and dangerous can exist.
They reflect the culture through their use of local settings and traditions. Many Indian folk stories are set in rural areas, with references to farming, village life, and traditional occupations. This shows the importance of agriculture in Indian society. The stories also incorporate traditional music, dance, and festivals. For example, the story of Holi might be told in a folk story, with the characters celebrating the festival, which reflects the significance of such festivals in Indian culture. Moreover, the moral values taught in the stories, such as karma and dharma, are fundamental concepts in Indian philosophy and culture.
Aboriginal star stories reflect their culture by showing their connection to the land. Since they observed the stars from their ancestral lands, the stories are often tied to local geography. For example, a star might be associated with a nearby mountain.