Final answer:
Early fairy tales were often more complex and darker, serving as moral lessons, compared to the sanitized and altered versions that are popular today, such as those by Walt Disney.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fairy tales were considerably different when they were first told compared to the versions that we are familiar with today. Early fairy tales often contained darker and more complex themes and were intended to provide moral lessons, entertain, and at times, serve as cautionary tales. They were conveyed orally, which allowed them to change and evolve as they were retold through generations. The versions most people know today, such as those popularized by Walt Disney, tend to be significantly sanitized and altered for a younger audience.
For example, The Brothers Grimm, who gathered and published many European folk tales, initially included stories with violent and grim elements that were later softened to be more suitable for children. Furthermore, storytelling has always been a means to discuss societal morals and ethics, often through the use of metaphor and allegory. As folklore traveled through time, it often reflected the cultural and social norms of the period.
When comparing original fairy tales with contemporary adaptations, we see that many harsh lessons and grim story elements have been toned down or removed to cater to a modern audience seeking entertainment rather than stark morality plays. Over time, the purpose of these tales has shifted from imparting wisdom and morals to primarily providing amusement and happy endings.