BrainStuff Season 1 Episode 13 How Old is the Oldest Fairy Tale?

In the thirteenth episode of the first season of BrainStuff, the host takes a deep dive into the origins of fairy tales. The episode is titled "How Old is the Oldest Fairy Tale?" and explores the history and evolution of these popular stories that have captured the imagination of people for hundreds of years.

The host begins the episode by explaining that fairy tales have been a part of human storytelling tradition for thousands of years. They were originally passed down orally and often served as cautionary tales to teach children about the dangers of the world. However, as the written word became more prevalent, fairy tales began to be written down and collected in books.

As the host shares, some of the earliest recorded fairy tales can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These stories were often about gods and goddesses and were used as a way to explain natural events like the changing of the seasons.

The episode also delves into the early existence of fairy tales in Europe, where stories of witches, princesses, and magical creatures became increasingly popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. The host shares that many of these fairy tales were incredibly violent and often contained themes of incest and cannibalism. However, they were still widely read and enjoyed.

The host also discusses the work of the Brothers Grimm, who collected and published some of the most famous fairy tales of all time. The Grimm brothers were born in Germany in the late 18th century and spent their lives collecting and recording tales from around the country. Their collection, which included stories like "Little Red Riding Hood," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Snow White," would go on to become some of the most beloved and recognizable fairy tales in the world.

Throughout the episode, the host highlights the fact that fairy tales have always been a reflection of the times in which they were written. They have evolved over the years to reflect changing cultural norms and values. For example, fairy tales in the 19th century often portrayed women as delicate and in need of protection, while more recent versions have strong female characters who can take care of themselves.

The episode ends with the host discussing the ongoing popularity of fairy tales, citing their enduring appeal for both children and adults. Despite the fact that many of these stories are hundreds of years old, they continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Overall, "How Old is the Oldest Fairy Tale?" is a fascinating look into the long and rich history of fairy tales. The host does an excellent job of tracing their origins, discussing their evolution over time, and highlighting some of the most famous stories and their creators. Anyone who loves these timeless tales will find this episode to be a captivating exploration of their enduring appeal.