In this episode, we discuss how Sleeping Beauty relates to ancient texts. We delve into a number of versions including ones where Sleeping Beauty is impregnated while she is sleeping and we talk about the moral of the story or lack thereof. Special thanks to Graham Anderson for helping us with the analysis.

TabledFables

Tabled Fables 8 Sleeping Beauty

In this episode we discuss how Jack's conquest of the giant relates to 19th century English colonialism with the help of scholar Brian Szumsky. We also discuss key features in the tale and question whether the giant is an alter ego of Jack or if we should take pity on the giant.

Tabled Fables 7 Jack and the Beanstalk

In this episode we talk about a lesser known tale, The Armless Maiden. How does she get her arms chopped off you ask? Maybe her dad does it to save himself from the devil or maybe it's punishment after she's accused of breaking a milk jug. Admittedly the punishment doesn't fit the crime. And don't worry, the maiden gets her arms back in the end. To find out how, have a listen to the show.

Tabled Fables 6 The Armless Maiden

Award-winning writer Angela Slatter has a retelling of The Armless Maiden in her 2010 collection, The Girl with No Hands & Other Tales. In her version, readers get a deeper glimpse into the mind of the devil who torments the girl in some unique ways. TF chatted with Slatter via Skype to find out what motivates her to retell fairy tales and how she readapts them for modern readers.

Fabled Extras: An Interview with Angela Slatter

In this episode we explore beast bridegroom tales and other stories where pigs marry peasants and men fall for snakes. It's a mad fairy tale world indeed!

Tabled Fables 5 Beauty and the Beast

A round-up of news from the fairy tale world.

News Table: January 2013

Catskin is part two of our series on tales of the persecuted heroine.

Tabled Fables 4 Catskin

Here is a retelling of the story of Cinderella by a random group of New Yorkers. Would you like to tell us your version of a fairy tale? Get in touch with Tabled Fables by email at tabledfables@gmail.com

The story of Cinderella

This podcast talks about the many versions of Cinderella told around the world and the different kinds of footwear she wore to the ball. My personal favorite: galoshes.

TabledFables Podcast 3 Cinderella

This episode discusses the sweet and gory and seriously disturbing story of Hansel and Gretel. Special thanks to Professor Maria Tatar for analyzing the story, and composer Alex Brusentsev for crafting our theme song.

TabledFables Podcast 2 Hansel and Gretel

Tabled Fables is a monthly podcast that dissects fairy tales to find out what they mean, how they've evolved and what makes them stick. Produced by Amy Kraft & Sophie Bushwick.