The Messed Up Origins of Beauty and the Beast (REVISITED!)

Jon Solo・2 minutes read

The Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast" is based on an ancient Greek tale and a longer story written by Gabrielle Suzanne Barau de Villeneuve in 1740, which includes a third act that adaptations omit. The original story features Beauty's family facing misfortune, her developing romantic feelings for the Beast, and his eventual transformation into the prince of her dreams.

Insights

  • The original Beauty and the Beast story by Gabrielle Suzanne Barau de Villeneuve in 1740 includes significant plot elements and character dynamics that differ from the widely known Disney adaptation, such as a longer narrative, a more submissive portrayal of Beauty, and a focus on her internal conflict between romantic love and familial duty.
  • The Beauty and the Beast archetype, rooted in ancient Greek myths like Cupid and Psyche, transcends time and cultures, showcasing enduring themes of love, transformation, and the exploration of inner beauty beyond appearances, with variations of the tale found in diverse countries and folklore indexes.

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Recent questions

  • What is the origin of Beauty and the Beast?

    Beauty and the Beast originated from ancient Greek stories and was later popularized by Gabrielle Suzanne Barau de Villeneuve in 1740.

  • What is the main difference between the original Beauty and the Beast story and Disney's adaptation?

    The original story by Villeneuve includes a third act and portrays Beauty as more submissive to the Beast, unlike Disney's version where Belle is more independent.

  • How does Beauty's perception of the Beast change throughout the story?

    Beauty initially fears the Beast but later sees him as a gentleman, developing romantic feelings for him despite his appearance.

  • What advice does Beauty receive in the story that influences her decisions?

    Beauty is advised by a mysterious woman not to judge by appearances, leading her to struggle between her love for the prince and the Beast.

  • What happens to the evil fairy in the Beauty and the Beast story?

    The evil fairy is punished by being thrown into the same fairy jail where Beauty's mother spent years, with an indefinite sentence, showcasing the consequences of her actions.

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Summary

00:00

"Beauty and the Beast: Origins and Adaptations"

  • February is known for Valentine's Day, a time of love and romance.
  • The origins of Beauty and the Beast date back to ancient Greek stories.
  • The Disney movie is a famous example of the Beauty and the Beast archetype.
  • MM Morals store has released a new design inspired by Disney's Steamboat Willie.
  • The original Beauty and the Beast story was written by Gabrielle Suzanne Barau de Villeneuve in 1740.
  • Villeneuve's story is much longer and includes a third act that Disney and other adaptations omit.
  • Beauty's father in the original story is a wealthy French merchant with 12 children.
  • Beauty's family faces misfortune, leading them to move to the countryside and adapt to a simpler life.
  • Beauty's father picks a rose from the Beast's garden, leading to a deal where Beauty must go to the palace in his place.
  • Beauty is welcomed to the palace with a grand ceremony and magic horses, unlike the movie where she arrives quietly.

13:52

Beauty's Transformation: Love Conquers All

  • Beauty starts to see the Beast in a different light, finding him to be a gentleman despite his lack of intelligence.
  • In the book, Beauty is focused on keeping the Beast happy out of fear of angering him, unlike the movie where Belle is hesitant.
  • Beauty remains submissive to the Beast, even though he assures her she's in control and can ask him to leave.
  • Every night, the Beast asks Beauty to marry him, and she consistently rejects him, fearing his patience may run out.
  • Beauty has recurring dreams of a handsome prince claiming to be the Beast's prisoner, leading her to develop romantic feelings for him.
  • Beauty is advised by a mysterious woman not to judge by appearances and is conflicted between her love for the prince and the Beast.
  • Upon returning home, Beauty's sisters resent her newfound beauty and the attention she receives from their fiances.
  • Despite being eager to return to the Beast, Beauty's brothers convince her to stay longer with her family.
  • Beauty's dream of the dying Beast makes her realize her romantic love for him, leading her to return to save him.
  • The Beast, upon being saved by Beauty, reveals his love for her, and they eventually agree to marry, leading to his transformation into the prince of her dreams.

27:59

Royal Court Nepotism in Beauty's Tale

  • Beauty and her siblings were given positions in her Royal Court, showcasing nepotism in the story.
  • In this version, Beauty's sisters do not try to harm her, unlike in a previous version where they attempted to get her killed.
  • The evil fairy in the tale is punished by being thrown into the same fairy jail where Beauty's mother spent years, with an indefinite sentence.
  • The story is categorized under the AR Thompson Uther tale type index as 425c, Beauty and the Beast, with similar tales found in various countries.
  • The ancient Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche, written 1600 years earlier, shares striking similarities with the Beauty and the Beast story, with Cupid falling in love with Psyche and hiding his identity from her.
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