Dark fairytales usually have a sense of moral ambiguity. For example, in 'The Red Shoes', the girl's punishment for being vain (if we consider her love for the shoes as vanity) seems extremely harsh. There is also often a lack of a completely happy ending. Even when the 'bad guys' are punished, the heroes or heroines have often gone through so much trauma that it's a bittersweet victory. In some stories, there are supernatural elements that are more menacing than helpful, like the magic that curses rather than blesses.
They often involve elements of death, like in 'The Juniper Tree' where the boy is murdered. Another characteristic is the presence of cruel characters, such as the stepmother in many of these stories.
One such story is 'The Juniper Tree'. It involves a stepmother who kills her stepson and cooks him into a meal which is then eaten by his father unknowingly. Later, the boy is reincarnated as a bird and seeks revenge on his stepmother.
Well, one characteristic is that they subvert the traditional fairytale narrative. Instead of a simple good - vs - evil story, they might show that good can have a dark side and evil can be more complex. The use of grotesque and disturbing imagery is also common. Think of the witches in some dark fairytale novels, with their wrinkled skin, long nails, and evil spells. Also, these novels often explore the darker aspects of human nature, such as greed, envy, and revenge. And they can be set in alternative or distorted versions of familiar fairytale worlds, which adds to the sense of unease and the feeling that things are not as they should be.
One common theme is danger. For example, in 'Little Red Riding Hood', the girl is in danger of being eaten by the wolf. Another theme is mystery. In 'Bluebeard', the mystery of the locked room holds the key to the dark secret. And a third theme is often sacrifice. In 'The Little Mermaid', the mermaid sacrifices her voice and her life in the sea for a chance at love with a human. These themes make dark fairytale stories both fascinating and a bit unsettling.
Family secrets and power struggles are often themes in these dramas. Families may be hiding things from one another, and there are often battles for power, wealth, or control. This is different from the typical fairytale family, which is usually more harmonious. In these dark fairytale Thai dramas, family issues can be a major source of conflict and darkness, leading the characters into difficult situations.
One of the well - known dark fairytale stories is 'Hansel and Gretel'. In this story, two children are abandoned in the forest by their parents due to poverty. They then encounter a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread. The witch tries to fatten Hansel up to eat him. It has dark elements such as child endangerment and the evil nature of the witch. Another is 'Bluebeard'. Bluebeard is a wealthy man who marries a young woman. He gives her the keys to all the rooms in his castle but forbids her to enter one. When she does, she discovers the bodies of his former wives. It shows themes of mystery, danger and the dark secrets people can hide.
In a role - playing game, there was an npc innkeeper. She was always so friendly and helpful. Later, we find out she was secretly a member of a resistance group. She used the inn as a cover to gather information and help those in need. It was really unexpected and made the game world feel more alive.
The drama 'Plerng Prissana' also has elements of a dark fairytale. It tells the story of a girl who has to endure a lot of hardships and is involved in a love triangle with some rather dark undertones. The story unfolds like a fairytale gone wrong in some ways, with family secrets and power struggles adding to the dark atmosphere.
Well, they often have a magical or otherworldly setting. Just like in traditional fairytales, there might be enchanted forests or castles. For example, in 'Cinder', the future world has a certain charm with its high - tech yet fairytale - like elements.
One characteristic is their often - strong will. For example, in 'Snow White with the Red Hair', Shirayuki doesn't let others dictate her life just because she has red hair. Another is their beauty, which is usually depicted in a distinct anime art style. They also tend to have a kind heart. Like in 'The Ancient Magus' Bride', Chise is a character with a big heart despite her difficult past. And they usually have a journey of self - discovery or a quest, much like in traditional fairytales.
It might have soft and enchanting melodies with a touch of magic. Usually, it could incorporate elements like gentle piano or harp sounds.