Definition of fairy tale

The term "fairy tale" derives from the French phrase "conte de fées" meaning "tale of the fays" or "fairies." These stories, which often feature supernatural elements and moral lessons, originated in medieval French literature as popular entertainment for adults. In the 17th century, they were translated into German and reclassified as "fairytales," or "Märchen," which were deemed appropriate for children's enjoyment. These German versions, famously collected and edited by the Brothers Grimm, introduced some of the beloved fantasy elements that continue to define the genre today. The English term "fairy tale" emerged as a translation of the German "Märchen" in the early 19th century when fairy tales began to be published in English for the first time. The term "fable," on the other hand, refers to a short story, often with animals as characters, that teaches a moral lesson. While overlapping in some themes, fables are generally considered a distinct literary genre from fairy tales.