Snow White is one of the most enduring—and endearing—stories of all time. This timeless tale of a beautiful young woman, her wicked stepmother, a devoted prince, and seven dwarfs offers the perfect mix of drama, suspense, and a happily-ever-after ending that leaves readers thoroughly satisfied.
Written by Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm and his brother Wilhelm Carl Grimm—collectively known as the Brothers Grimm—”Snow White” was first published in 1812 in their homeland of Germany. The original version appeared alongside 200 other folkloric stories, including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Rumpelstiltskin.”
Beyond the poisoned apple, magic mirror, and glass coffin, “Snow White” carries a rich and complex history that reflects the Brothers Grimm’s distinctive storytelling style, which The New Yorker describes as having a “dark tenor.” But what are the unsettling complexities behind “Snow White,” and what do they reveal about the Brothers Grimm’s tendency to infuse fairy tales with darker themes?
The Publication of “Little Snow-White”
Published under the title Schneewittchen and listed as the 53rd tale in the collection, the original version of “Snow White” does not feature an evil stepmother. Instead, the antagonist is Snow White’s biological mother, who orders the huntsman to kill her own daughter.
When the prince attempts to save Snow White, he has her glass coffin carried from room to room in his castle. Eventually, one of the exhausted servants, unable to bear yet another order, opens the coffin and strikes Snow White. Surprisingly, it is this blow—not a romantic kiss from the prince—that dislodges the poisoned apple from her throat and causes her to wake up.
The Brothers Grimm made several revisions to the original story. In the later version, Snow White’s antagonist is an evil stepmother rather than her biological mother. Another notable change involves the poisoned apple: it becomes dislodged from her throat when a servant carrying her glass coffin trips over some brush on the way to the prince’s castle.
It is worth noting that both versions of “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm highlight how these German linguists and folklorists were influenced by the societal and cultural realities of their time. In addition to preserving German folk traditions, they drew inspiration from ancient myths, cultural influences, and even real-life events. “Snow White” serves as a prime example of this.
Potential Inspirations Behind Snow White
Snow White
The Brothers Grimm may have drawn inspiration from the story of Margaretha von Waldeck, a beautiful countess who fell in love with Prince Philip II of Spain but was unable to marry him due to their religious differences. She is believed to have been poisoned, dying tragically at the young age of 21.
The Seven Dwarfs
Margaretha’s father owned copper mines where he employed young children, reportedly treating them poorly. According to an article published by Blackpool Grand Theatre, the young workers “suffered stunted growth due to malnutrition and poor working conditions.” Allegedly, these children were referred to as “poor dwarfs.”
Snow White’s Deep Slumber
The enchanted sleep forced upon Snow White after biting the queen’s apple may have origins in the mythical story of Chione, whose name translates to “Snow” in Greek. According to the myth, when the gods Apollo and Mercury fall in love with her, she rejects their advances. In response, Apollo punishes Chione by placing her in a death-like slumber.
Red-Hot Shoes
The red-hot iron shoes that the evil queen is forced to dance in until her death may have been inspired by European folktales, where villains often face physical torment as a form of punishment. The Brothers Grimm frequently used their stories to emphasize that actions have consequences and to teach moral lessons about appropriate behavior.
The Captivating Legacy of Snow White
There’s no doubt that “Snow White” has captured the hearts of both children and adults, with its popularization by Disney—whose animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs debuted in 1937—further enhancing its remarkable allure. However, as beloved as this story is, it’s unsettling to consider the possible inspirations behind it. (Who would have guessed that the legendary seven dwarfs might be connected to child labor?)
As dark and twisted as the origins of “Snow White” may seem, it’s important to remember the valuable lessons that consistently emerge when we read the story or watch the film. At its core, “Snow White” is a tale that highlights the importance of resilience, the triumph of justice, the rewards of selflessness, and the value of true friendships.