Once Upon A Fan

Diane J Reed's latest article for the fan site is now online and explores the history of one of our most mischevious fairy tale characters. Just how did Rumplestiltskin go from naughty imp to the hottest property on TV. Diane guides you through his chequered past.

You can access the article here: Rumplestiltskin

From The Guardian Newspaper

A whole new world of magic animals, brave young princes and evil witches has come to light with the discovery of 500 new fairytales, which were locked away in an archive in Regensburg, Germany for over 150 years. The tales are part of a collection of myths, legends and fairytales, gathered by the local historian Franz Xaver von Schönwerth (1810-1886) in the Bavarian region of Oberpfalz at about the same time as the Grimm brot...

Wanted to share this news story. It was first reported a while back but since they are starting to dig around the amphitheatre over the next few weeks, and since we all love myths and legends, I thought it would be of interest to members.

Incidentally, this is also the city I live in so it's great for tourism.  

Researchers explor...

A warm welcome to Diane J Reed, author of the fairy tale novel, 'Twixt'. Diane has kindly given up some of her free time to contribute regular articles that will focus on the history and evolution of different fairy tale characters through history.

Diane's first article is now live on the site. Join Diane as she takes a trip deep into the woods to explore the character of Little Red Riding Hood.

Diane would love members to contribute to a discussion of the...

With so many of you wondering whether the mysterious stranger is a Grimm brother, we felt it was a perfect time to learn a little more about them. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are best known for their collection of fairy tales, but there’s so much more to their story. From getting kicked out of work at a college to writing a dictionary, there are so many interesting, but little known facts about the Grimm brothers.

Read on to learn more about t...

Wonderfully detailed article by Brad Hart.  What an enjoyable read. You know that every now and again, I like to throw in a bit of folk tale history  I hope you all like this. 

As a Brit living on an island steeped in centuries of mystery and folk tale, love of classic fairy tales ran through my blood from a very early age. I would like to share with you one of those tales. I am actually lucky enough to live on the England/Wales border and the tale I am about to retell is said to have occurred in a village that is less than an hour from me. I have visited the site many times and have included some pics. It's one of those short tales you hear as a kid and, for whatev...

It’s a little disconcerting to know that the real stories behind the fairy tales that made your eyes go all sparkly as a child were originally tales of rape, self-injury and...