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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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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, and the reactions and justice provided due to those actions. Maybe the protagonist makes a bad decision and is therefore corrected in justice, this may teach the audience not to repeat those actions. 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 narrative for my planned animation.
What makes a fairytale a fairytale? the Visuals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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