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What is Fantasy and FaIrytale A research book by Apollo Burrows
What makes a fairytale a fairytale? the sructure Why are fairytales enjoyable despite us knowing what’s going to happen? This is because the very structure used to create fairytales bring forth a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Fairytales satisfy the human need for pattern, resolution and meaning. The fairytale structure is something all writers use, whether intentionally or not. Structure One is the rule of three. Three things happen in fairytales, whether it’s three trials, three wishes, three siblings or three attempts before success. They use this rule of three because three creates pattern, two can be a coincidence but three is an intentional rhythm. The rule of three can be used to present two failures and one success or three failures that mean something, it works because each failure teaches a lesson, the progression shows growth. This is a structure that could be used to teach a meaningful lesson to the audience through the actions of the main protagonist, specifically the lesson of ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’ It’s about using three experiences to develop a final understanding or point of growth. The rule of three builds a sense of completeness. Stories that use this structure: Goldilocks and the three bears, The three little pigs. Structure Two- the transformation arc. Each fairytale at its core is about transformation- beast becomes human, puppet becomes real, a kingdom is safe from the beast. The structure works because we recognise ourselves within it, we are all in the process of transforming. The transformation structure puts a meaningful character in conditions that make transformation necessary, demonstrates that middle point when a character may be stuck between two opposing views/sides, and then shows that transformations completion where that development is very visible and can be compared easily in contrast to the prior beliefs of that character. This structure can be used to teach a lesson through the use of that character’s transformation, maybe they begin the story as a selfish person and transform into a more kind, empathetic person- which would in turn teach that very same lesson to the reader/ viewer of the fairytale. Stories that use this structure:Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio. Structure Three is the forbidden door. Every fairytale has a rule that must not be broke, and then someone breaks this rule. The structure presents a very human response to the rule, we as humans are curious, we can’t help ourselves, therefore someone will always break that rule and open that door. The structure demonstrates this rule of not opening that door, making the reader understand why it exists, and then presents the consequences of opening that door. This could be used to teach people in a range of different ways, maybe it could be used as a structure to teach someone not to open that door, or maybe it could be used to encourage them- without opening this door, they never would have had this great adventure. A story that use this structure:The Chronicles of Narnia.
Structure Four is where the youngest child succeeds. The younger child is always underestimated, which is why they always succeed. This structure ‘subverts power hierarchies’ and reverses the roles. It can teach you that being dismissed or considered weak can be an advantage. You must demonstrate why their perceived weakness is actually a strength, and allow them to succeed not despite their position, but because of what it taught them. This structure works because it presents an underdog. A story that use this structure: Cinderella. Structure Five is the impossible task. Fairytales often use this structure to present the protagonist with an impossible task, and then often allow them to find an impossible solution. The structure teaches us about resourcefulness, getting help from unexpected places and the difference between what seems impossible and what actually is. The structure could be used to teach a valuable lesson about what is possible, and how ambition and perseverance can be used to conquer this problem. Stories that use this structure:Perseus and Medusa, Nix Nought Nothing. Structure Six is about crossing the threshold. It’s about crossing the boundary that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary, the character enters somewhere else, somewhere unknown. The structure is often used to show that divide between worlds, maybe in this world the character faces hardship, but upon entering this new world learns how to overcome that, so when they return, they are bettered. Stories that use this structure:The Chronicles of Narnia, Rapunzel. Finally, Structure Seven, Justice must be served. This structure satisfies our need for moral order, even when justice delivered is harsh. To be used, the characters actions must be established, there must be consequences that fit the choice, the justice must feel inevitable and teach a lesson to the character and the audience. This structure can be used to teach a lesson through the actions of the protagonists or antagonists, and the reactions and justice provided due to those actions. Maybe the character makes a bad decision and is therefore corrected in justice, this may teach the audience not to repeat those actions. Stories that use this structure: Snow White, Little red riding hood. All of these structures are used in fairytale and fantasy writing and media in hopes of teaching a lesson through the actions, and morals of the characters. Looking at these fairytale structures will help me to develop my own lesson and
What makes a fairytale a fairytale? the Visuals
Visuals created by me using watercolour, fineliner and pencil. Inspired by the work of my artists and visuals that came to my mind when thinking of this topic.
What makes a fairytale a fairytale? the WorldbuildIng Do not use world building to procrastinate writing and other important planning. Spending too long on world-building can prevent any progress from being made and soon lead to burnout. It’s important to build a world, write some character profiles and then get started on creating in response. Draw a map One of the most useful worldbuilding exercises can be to create the world through a map, even a messy sketch of a map can help as reference material. Make sure the story could only take place in this world. If the story you are building could take place in a completely separate world, then the worldbuilding process has not been completed successfully, you have to be sure that your story could only have occurred in the world you create. Build a world only you could build. Make this world personal, use references that maybe only you would understand. Ask yourself, why am I building this world? How can I express my own interests within this world? Know the details of your world but show the reader with care. One key mistake that writers and creators make when world-building is showing the reader that world all at once, whilst it’s important to know that world yourself, it’s a key practice to only show the reader parts of that world little at a time, allow them to feel as if they are exploring the world you have built slowly. The world you build should say something about our world. Even if the world you are building seems to be in complete contrast with our own reality, you should ask yourself why you’re building that world? What about our world made you create this one? And what point does my world make about our world? Avoid Building a flat world. Your world should have depth, diversity, mystery and aspects that an audience may find exciting. The characters should be detailed, and they should fit into the world dynamics in an unexpected way. In your world, you should build intrigue and interest for the audience.
Created using sketching, watercolours and fine liner as a practice in worldbuilding through one of the techniques.
What makes a fairytale a fairytale? the artists Lilja Cardew This artist is one I’ve been invested in for a while, for me her style has always felt very physical, I appreciate her style for this physicality but also how she uses physical processes to simplify some of her illustrations. I would love to use Lija as a reference in my own project due to how perfect this style would be when placed within fairytale or fantasy media. Tom Bingham This artist is also one I discovered through the It’s Nice That website. The artist was featured in an article that spoke of his calming, fantasy illustrations. I appreciate these illustrations for their simplicity, but also for how they present this overwhelming whimsical, fairytale atmosphere. Whilst some of his work is a bit more detailed, I appreciate all his work for its expert use of colour and how human the illustrations feel. Source taken from Lilja Cardew, on her portfolio. Source taken from Tom Bingham, on the it’s nice that website.
Julia Klenovsky This artist is one I found through the It’s Nice That website, I appreciate her work for how it utilises witchcraft and folklore to portray certain themes. The illustrations here are created physically using watercolours and I assume other physical processes. Whilst the style is very simplistic, it’s also detailed in a way that only the physical processes could execute. i would love to use this artist as a reference for her unique style. Min Heo I enjoy this artist for how she works with very simplistic illustrations and bold colours. I think she as an artist will be a good inspiration and reference due to this style that would pair very well with fairytale and fantasy media. I also notice that a lot of her illustrations feel very physical, which is something I’m looking to explore in my project. Source taken from Min Heo, on the it’s nice that website. Source taken from Julia Klenovsky, on the it’s nice that website.
What lessons do fairytales teach? At their core, fairytales are moral compasses. Through simple, exciting narratives they seek to teach right from wrong, bravery in the face of adversity, the value of kindness, and the possibilities of the future. Fairytales like Cinderella emphasize the value of perseverance and humility, the boy who cried wolf warns against the dangers of deceit. The tales are often spun through the use of characters- heroes, villains, and mentors. These characters are used to represent ourselves, those who try to steer us toward the wrong path, and those who steer us toward the right path. The moral lessons they teach are always subtly woven into the very narrative, world and structure of the stories. Fairytales also pay an equally important role in igniting imagination. They transport the audience to fantastical realms of magic and extraordinary adventures. The landscape stimulate creativity, encouraging the audience the view beyond the constraints of reality. Fairytales not only inspire artistic endeavours, but problem solving and innovative thinking skills. Fairytales confront themes like fear, loss, triumph, providing readers with metaphors to navigate their own experiences. The triumph of good over evil inspires hope, while challenging the complexities of reality. In a world of logic, fairytales remind us of the power of dreams and provide us with magic. Fairytales are key to allowing children to express emotions that they may not feel comfortable expressing, they help children navigate complex social and phycological challenges and they often mirror societal values and fears, proving a safe way for children to understand the world. Children use fairytales to escape reality in order to process emotions, for example a child who fears the dark may find comfort in a story where the hero confronts and overcomes the darkness. Through fairytales, children learn about social norms, relationships and moral values. Whilst fairytales are a great tool for learning and developing, some believe they can also be more of a form of escapism than learning, with many using fairytales and fantasy in order to escape their own reality.
little red rIdIng hood: don’t trust eVery stranger you meet. This is evidenced in the meeting of red riding hood at the wolf, who teaches her to trust him and then abuses that trust by eating both little red riding hood and her grandmother. cinderella: Be strong, stay focused and fIght for what you deserVe. This lesson is demonstrated through the difficult livelihood of Cinderella, how she faces her evil stepsisters and stepmother and how she overcomes her challenges, fighting for what she wants (to marry the prince.)snow WhIte: Kindness and fairness can conquer eVil and injustice. This lesson is clearly told through the kind and fair temperament of snow white, and how she is revered for being the fairest of them all by the evil queen, she then faces the queen and ultimately defeats her with these traits. rapunzel: thInK outside the box in order to solVe a proBlem, fInd innovatIve solutIons. This lesson is shown through the innovative solutions Rapunzel finds when navigating the real world, she often uses her hair as a tool to escape precarious situations and lead her to her ultimate goal- seeing the lights and returning to her kingdom.sleeping beauty: loVe can defeat any curse. This is one of the most common ‘lessons’ within fairytales, the love conquers all trope teaches young people and everyone who enjoys fairytales that love is so important in life. This lesson is shown in sleeping beauty as she awakes from her own curse with ‘true loves kiss.’
experimentIng wIth fairytale in- cyanotypes: Here I experimented with producing some fairytale imagery using cyanotypes. Experimenting with this medium allowed me to play with natural forms and assemble some visuals that I think represent my chosen word ‘strength’ well. I have in the past worked with cyanotype but have never produced anything particularly symbolic so assembling something like this was a good exercise in the possibility of cyanotype. For this cyanotype I attempted to demonstrate the word ‘strength’ through imagery of a raised hand, I believe this demonstrates strength through rising to the challenge, being determined and becoming the protagonist of your own story.
For this cyanotype, I used natural materials to try and create a natural sword, this was my first attempt at the cyanotypes so it didn’t go as well as I would have hoped, however after completing this cyanotype I learnt to work alongside the shadow and light perspectives more to create a clearer shape. The sword is representative of strength through courage and is a key item in fantasy and fairytale media. This cyanotype is a representation of strength through one of the most famous symbols in fairytale, the sword in the stone. The sword in the stone itself stood as a trial of strength and courage, and only the one who possessed these quality’s would be able to lift the sword from its place within the stone.
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