How does Sleeping Beauty end? This timeless fairy tale has captivated audiences for centuries with its enchanting story of a cursed princess and her eventual salvation. The tale, first published by Charles Perrault in the 17th century, has been adapted and retold in countless versions, each offering its own unique twist on the ending. This article delves into the various endings of Sleeping Beauty, highlighting the key differences and exploring the enduring appeal of this beloved story.
The original version of Sleeping Beauty, as told by Perrault, concludes with a rather dark and tragic note. In this ending, the prince, upon discovering the sleeping princess, is enchanted by her beauty and decides to kiss her. However, the princess’s heart is frozen solid, and she remains in her slumber. The prince, unable to break the curse, eventually marries her but remains forever unable to touch her or share affection. This ending leaves the reader with a sense of sadness and unfulfilled longing.
In the more widely known Brothers Grimm version, the story takes a slightly different turn. The prince, upon finding the sleeping princess, discovers that her heart is not frozen, but rather encased in glass. He breaks the glass with his sword and successfully kisses her, breaking the curse. The princess awakens, and they live happily ever after. This ending offers a more hopeful and romantic conclusion, which has become the standard for most adaptations of the story.
One of the most famous adaptations of Sleeping Beauty is the 1959 Disney animated film. In this version, the curse is lifted when the prince kisses the princess, just as in the Brothers Grimm ending. However, Disney adds a unique twist by introducing the character of Maleficent, the evil fairy who cursed the princess in the first place. The film’s ending features a climactic battle between Maleficent and the prince, with the princess’s true love ultimately triumphing. This ending not only resolves the main story but also provides a satisfying resolution to the conflict with Maleficent.
Another notable adaptation is the 2014 film “Maleficent,” directed by Robert Stromberg. This film takes a different approach to the story, focusing on the origins of Maleficent and her relationship with the princess. The ending of “Maleficent” sees the princess, Aurora, and her father, King Stefan, working together to lift the curse from Maleficent. In a touching and emotional scene, the princess chooses to forgive Maleficent, and together, they break the curse. This ending emphasizes themes of forgiveness and redemption, providing a heartwarming conclusion to the film.
In conclusion, the ending of Sleeping Beauty varies depending on the version of the story. From the tragic and unfulfilled longing of the original Perrault version to the hopeful and romantic endings of the Brothers Grimm and Disney adaptations, each version offers its own unique take on the tale. The enduring appeal of Sleeping Beauty lies in its ability to adapt to different cultural contexts and provide a satisfying resolution to the story, leaving audiences enchanted and inspired.
