The most read and shared fairy tale of all time
The most read and shared fairy tale of all time is arguably “Cinderella.” This story has been beloved for centuries and exists in various forms across different cultures. The central theme of a young woman overcoming adversity and finding true love, often with magical assistance, resonates universally.
The most popular version is probably Charles Perrault’s “Cendrillon,” written in the 17th century, which introduced iconic elements like the fairy godmother and the glass slipper. However, the tale’s origins can be traced back even further, with variations existing in ancient Greek and Chinese folklore.
“Cinderella” has been adapted countless times in literature, theater, and film, making it a staple of cultural storytelling worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in its themes of kindness, resilience, and the transformative power of love and hope.
The Chinese version of Cinderella, known as “Yeh-Shen”
The Chinese version of Cinderella, known as “Yeh-Shen,” predates the European versions by centuries and has its own unique elements.
Yeh-Shen: A Chinese Cinderella Tale
Once upon a time, in ancient China, there lived a kind and gentle girl named Yeh-Shen. She was the daughter of a chief, but after her father’s untimely death, Yeh-Shen’s life was filled with hardship due to her cruel stepmother and envious stepsister. They took away her fine clothes and made her wear rags, forcing her to do all the household chores.
Yeh-Shen’s only friend was a beautiful fish with dazzling, golden scales that she found in the river near her home. This was no ordinary fish; it was a magical creature sent by her mother’s spirit to comfort her in her loneliness. Every day, Yeh-Shen would feed the fish and talk to it, finding solace in its silent companionship.
However, her stepmother discovered the fish and, in a fit of jealousy, killed it. Yeh-Shen was devastated by the loss of her friend. In her sorrow, an old man appeared, revealing himself to be a wise sage. He told her that the bones of the fish were imbued with magic and would grant her wishes.
Time passed, and the Spring Festival arrived, where young men and women would find their matches. Yeh-Shen yearned to go, but her stepmother forbade it, leaving her in tears. Remembering the sage’s words, Yeh-Shen went to the fish’s grave and wished for a dress and shoes to attend the festival. In a swirl of light, she was adorned in a gown of sea-green silk and a pair of slippers made from the finest woven gold, more radiant than any attire.
At the festival, Yeh-Shen’s beauty outshone all, but fearing recognition, she fled, losing one of her golden slippers. The slipper was found by a local king, who was enchanted by its craftsmanship and the mystery of its owner. He searched the kingdom for the slipper’s owner, having every maiden try it on.
When the king’s men arrived at Yeh-Shen’s home, her stepmother and stepsister tried to force their feet into the slipper, but it was to no avail. Finally, Yeh-Shen was given a chance, and to everyone’s astonishment, the slipper fit perfectly. She then produced the matching slipper, proving her identity.
The king, struck by her beauty and humility, asked for her hand in marriage. Yeh-Shen accepted, and they lived happily ever after, her kind heart and gentle spirit winning the love and respect of all.
This story, rich in Chinese folklore and culture, emphasizes themes of kindness, resilience, and the belief in magic and benevolence in the world, paralleling but also distinctly different from the more familiar Western versions of Cinderella.
3 images to illustrate the story of Yeh-Shen
Here are three illustrated scenes from the story of Yeh-Shen, the Chinese Cinderella:
The first image captures the moment Yeh-Shen is feeding the magical fish with dazzling golden scales in a serene river setting, surrounded by the lush greenery of ancient China.
The second image depicts Yeh-Shen dressed in a stunning sea-green silk gown and golden slippers at the Spring Festival, surrounded by lanterns and a festive crowd, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of ancient China.
The third image portrays the pivotal moment when Yeh-Shen tries on the golden slipper in front of the king and the court, revealing her true identity, set in a traditional Chinese palace.
These illustrations bring to life the enchanting world of Yeh-Shen and the rich cultural backdrop of the story.
The Greek version of the Cinderella story is known as “Rhodopis”
The Greek version of the Cinderella story is known as “Rhodopis,” which is one of the earliest known variants of the Cinderella tale, dating back to Ancient Greece.
Rhodopis – A Greek Cinderella Tale
In ancient Greece, there lived a beautiful maiden named Rhodopis. She was not Greek by birth but came from a far-off land. Rhodopis was captured by pirates when she was young and sold into slavery in Egypt. She was different from the other servants in the house, with her fair skin and golden hair, and often felt lonely and out of place.
Despite her hardships, Rhodopis remained kind-hearted and strong-willed. She found joy in the little things, like dancing in the sun and watching the birds. Among her few possessions was a pair of red-gold sandals, gifted to her by her master who admired her grace and beauty.
One day, as Rhodopis was bathing in the Nile, an eagle swooped down and snatched one of her sandals. Distraught at the loss, Rhodopis searched for it but in vain. The eagle, however, was actually the god Horus, who had taken the form of an eagle. He carried the sandal across the skies and dropped it in the lap of the Pharaoh, who was holding court in the open air.
Struck by the fine craftsmanship and uniqueness of the sandal, the Pharaoh saw it as a sign from the gods. He sent his servants across the land to find the woman to whom the sandal belonged, believing her to be his destined bride. The search led to Rhodopis, still a slave in her master’s house.
When the Pharaoh saw Rhodopis, he was immediately captivated by her beauty and her gentle spirit. He recognized her worth and character, which shone brighter than her external beauty. He declared that she would be his queen, and Rhodopis was brought to the palace, not as a slave, but as a beloved bride.
The story of Rhodopis is a tale of destiny and divine intervention. Unlike other Cinderella stories, there is no fairy godmother, evil stepmother, or stepsisters. Instead, it speaks to the idea that the gods watch over us and that true worth is recognized no matter one’s circumstances.
In this version, Rhodopis’s rise from slavery to royalty is a testament to her enduring spirit and the belief that kindness and inner beauty can transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
3 images to illustrate the story of Rhodopis
Here are three illustrated scenes from the story of Rhodopis, the Greek Cinderella:
The first image shows Rhodopis dancing joyfully in the sun near the Nile river, surrounded by the natural beauty of ancient Egypt, with her unique red-gold sandals.
The second image captures the dramatic moment when an eagle (the god Horus in disguise) swoops down and snatches one of Rhodopis’ red-gold sandals, set against the backdrop of the Nile river and ancient Egyptian pyramids.
The third image portrays Rhodopis being presented to the Pharaoh, wearing her remaining red-gold sandal. The scene is set in a grand ancient Egyptian palace, with the Pharaoh and his court in awe of her beauty and grace.
These illustrations bring the enchanting story of Rhodopis to life, showcasing the magical and historical elements of the ancient Greek version of the Cinderella tale.