The fairy tale is a very popular but somewhat underrated literary form. It is very well known by all across all age groups; perhaps better known and more commonly circulated than any other genre of literature. It holds high currency all around the world. Although a European form, this ascendancy obtains in the Caribbean where it has even been part of formal education. It has been entrenched and has survived in society even more than the local folklore, most of which were never elevated to a place in formal schooling. Furthermore, many almost-forgotten local tales have been very heavily influenced by fairy tales.
In spite of their popularity and influence, the importance of fairy tales has been downplayed and largely unrecognised. They have been relegated to mere children’s literature. This may be linked to a long western tradition, aided and abetted by their appearance of simplicity, unreal world of fantasy and magic, often dreamlike environments, talking animals with human characteristics , rags to riches motifs and happy endings.
