Remember those Disney fairytales you grew up with? Turns out they were heavily sanitized versions of much darker, often horrific stories that would give most adults nightmares—let alone children.
We're diving deep into the true origins of beloved classics like Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid, revealing the disturbing elements Disney conveniently left out. From cannibalism and self-mutilation to sexual assault and graphic violence, these original tales were never meant for children at all.
Snow White's evil queen actually demanded the girl's liver and lungs to cook and eat, while Cinderella's stepsisters cut off their own toes and heels to fit into the glass slipper—only to have birds peck out their eyes as punishment at the wedding. Sleeping Beauty's story gets even darker, involving a comatose princess who gives birth after being assaulted while unconscious. The Little Mermaid doesn't marry her prince; she sacrifices herself and dissolves into sea foam rather than murder him to save herself.
These weren't just entertainment—they were psychological tools that helped communities process fear, establish moral boundaries, and prepare people for the harsh realities of medieval life. Some, like Snow White, might even be based on real historical figures who met tragic ends. We explore the fascinating theory that the real Snow White could have been Margaret von Waldeck, a German countess who was poisoned at age 21 after falling in love with a prince her family disapproved of.
Share this episode with anyone who loves Disney classics but never knew what those bright, musical adaptations were hiding. And let us know which disturbing fairy tale origin shocked you the most by emailing us at LikeWhateverPod@gmail.com—we'll even send you a sticker!
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