Cinderella in Other Cultures
3000 Varieties of Walt Disney's Princess Around the World
Cinderella is one the most beloved fairy tales, with countless variations of its theme appearing in almost every culture.
Although scholars disagree about the actual number of Cinderella variations, the numbers range from 340 to over 3,000 versions!
The earliest version of Cinderella, “Yeh-Shen”, was recorded in China by Tuan Ch'eng-shih in the 9th century (around 850-860 A.D.). In this original tale, Yeh-Shen, a mistreated orphan living with her vindictive stepmother and unattractive stepsister, is excluded from a springtime festival where young women choose whom they will marry.
Yeh-Shen overcomes their wickedness through the help of an elderly spirit and a magic fish to become the King’s bride. In this bittersweet classic, the stepmother and stepsister are later stoned to death.
It is held that Charles Perrault, believed to be the author of our modern day and best-known “Cinderella,” wrote the next recorded version. His version “Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre” in “Contes de ma Mere L'Oye”(Mother Goose Tales) was written in 1697.
The glass slipper is unique to Perrault’s version. Some scholars believe Perrault or one of his sources confused the words confused "vair" (French for “fur") with "verre" (French for "glass"). Hence, the glass slipper appears in most modern versions.
Africa
Many notable interpretations appear in African, Asian, European and North American cultures. These outstanding classics, passed down and retold from generation to generation, make for interesting discussion about nature of humanity, gender roles, and multiculturalism. Why not add one to your library?
Onyefulu, Obi. Chinye: A West African Folk Tale. Illus. by Evie Safarewicz. Francis Lincoln, 1995. 32p. $7.95 ISBN 1845071786
In this traditional Nigerian tale enhanced by its energetic and dramatic illustrations, young Chinye must run a dangerous errand through the forest for her mean stepmother and stepsister. When Chinye returns with a gourd filled with riches, the stepmother sends her daughter Adanma to do the same.
Adanma’s greed prevents her from successfully completing the task, causing the family to lose its possessions and leave the village. “Chinye” offers beautiful storytelling together with an excellent lesson in modesty, respect, and obedience.
Additional notable African Cinderella stories include:
Steptoe, John. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. HarperTrophy, 1993. 32p., $22.99 ISBN 0688129358.
Climo, Shirley. The Egyptian Cinderella. Illus. by Ruth Heller. HarperTrophy, 1991. 32p. $6.99 ISBN 0064432793
Phumla. Nomi and the Magic Fish: A Story from Africa. Illus. by Carole Byard. Doubleday, 1972. 32p., o.p.
Asia
Climo, Shirley. The Korean Cinderella. Illus. by Ruth Heller. HarperTrophy, 1993. 48p. $6.99 ISBN 0064433978
This charming retelling of Cinderella features Pear Blossom, a beautiful girl who is mistreated by her spiteful stepmother and stepsister. In order to prevent Pear Blossom from going to the village festival, they force her to complete three unreasonable tasks to keep her busy.
With the help of kind magical frogs, sparrows, and huge black oxen, Pear Blossom completes the tasks in time to attend the festival and ultimately becomes the magistrate’s bride. Children will adore this variation, which subtly introduces children to several Korean words. Traditional Korean architecture and clothing are presented in vibrant, captivating illustrations.
Additional notable Asian Cinderella stories include:
Louie, Ai-Ling. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China Illus. by Ed Young. Putnam, 1996. 32p. $6.99 ISBN 0698113888
Hickox, Rebecca. The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella. Illus. by Will Hillenbrand. Holiday House, 1999. 32p. $6.95 ISBN 0823415139
Schroeder, Alan. Lily and the Wooden Bowl. Illus. by Yoriko Ito. Yearling, 1997. 32p. $5.99 0440412943
Europe
Steel, Flora Annie. Tattercoats: An Old English Tale. Illus. by Diane Goode. Bradbury, 1976. 32p. 0878881093
This unique British variation of “Cinderella” involves a neglectful grandfather rather than an evil stepmother. Tattercoats, dressed in rags and shunned by her grandfather, has no friends with the exception of a crippled gooseherd with a magical pipe.
As Tattercoats and the gooseherd journey to watch the processing of the Prince’s ball from which Tattercoats has been excluded, she meets a wealthy man who recognizes her beauty despite her rags.
The man proposes marriage and convinces her to meet him at the ball at midnight, revealing that he is the Prince and boldly introducing Tattercoats to all as his bride. Finally, as the gooseherd plays his magical pipe, Tattercoats’ rags become a beautiful dress, resulting in a happy finish. Goode’s beautiful watercolor illustrations are a perfect compliment to this classic European fairytale.
Additional notable European Cinderella stories include:
Huck, Charlotte. Princess Furball. Illus. by Anita Lobel. HarperTrophy, 1994. 40p. ISBN $5.95 0688131077
Silverman, Erica. Raisel's Riddle. Illus bySusan Gaber. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999 $16.00 ISBN 0374361681
Nimmo, Jenny. The Starlight Cloak. Illus. Justin Todd. New York: Dial, 1993. 30p. ISBN 0803715080
North America
Martin, Rafe. The Rough-Face Girl. Illus. by David Shannon. Putnam, 1992. 32p. $15.95 0399218599.
Although her face and hands have been scarred from constantly tending the fire, Rough-Face Girl wishes to marry the Invisible Being. However, she must compete with her stunning but heartless and vain sisters, for if one of them can see the handsome, rich Invisible Being and answer his sister’s questions, she will win his hand in marriage.
Rough-Face Girl ultimately prevails in this classic tale, which features authentic and intricate illustrations. Simple, yet captivating, storytelling make for a remarkable Algonquin Indian tale about the importance of humility and resolve.
Additional notable versions of Cinderella from North America:
Marceau-Chenkie, Brittany. Naya, the Inuit Cinderella. Raven Rock, 1999. 24p. $7.95 ISBN 1894303059
San Souci, Robert D. The Talking Eggs. Illus. by Jerry Pinkney. Scholastic, 1990. 28p. $6.95 ISBN 0590441892
Pollock, Penny. The Turkey Girl: A Zuni Cinderella Story. Little, Brown, 1996. 32p., $17.95 ISBN 0316713147
For more information about Cinderella worldwide:
Cinderella Stories by Continent
If the Shoe Fits: An Annotated Bibliography on the Popular Tale of Cinderella
Stories, Folklore, and Fairy Tales Theme Page
