How Old Was Snow White In The Original Story?
Snow White, one of the most beloved characters in fairy tales, has captured the imaginations of readers and viewers for generations. The story of a young princess who finds solace in the company of seven dwarfs while evading the wicked Queen has become an iconic tale.
However, the age of Snow White in the original story has often been a subject of debate and curiosity. Not just that, but the age of Snow White’s charming prince, another story character whose age also remains mysterious.
And with that, we delve into the depths of the original narrative to uncover the truth about Snow White’s age and shed light on the age of Snow White’s charming prince.
The Origins of Snow White
To explore Snow White’s age, revisiting the story’s origins is essential. Snow White first appeared in a German fairy tale titled “Schneewittchen,” written by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. The Grimms collected and documented folklore from various sources, creating an anthology of classic tales that have stood the test of time.
Age Indicators in the Original Story
In the original story, the Brothers Grimm did not explicitly state Snow White’s age. However, certain clues within the narrative provide insights into her age range. One such indicator is Snow White’s innocence and naivety, which aligns with the characteristics commonly associated with young girls.
Snow White’s Youthful Traits
Snow White’s pure heart, childlike curiosity, and trusting nature suggest she is not a fully grown woman. Her interactions with the dwarfs, her dependency on the kindness of strangers, and her limited understanding of the world hint at her youthful disposition. These traits align with a younger age range, typically adolescence or early teenage years.
The Role of the Mirror
In the original story, the Queen consults a magical mirror, a significant plot device. The mirror, when asked, reveals that Snow White is the “fairest of them all.” This notion of being the fairest suggests that Snow White is at the peak of her youthful beauty. Since youthful beauty is often associated with younger ages, this further supports the idea that Snow White is not an adult but a young girl.
The Seven Dwarfs’ Occupation
Another aspect of the original story that can provide insight into Snow White’s age is the occupation of the seven dwarfs. They are portrayed as miners who work tirelessly, their bodies small in stature due to years spent underground.
Considering their occupation and the physical toll it takes, it is reasonable to assume that the dwarfs are older individuals. This implies that Snow White, who befriends them, must be younger in comparison.
The Charming Prince’s Role
The charming prince in the Snow White story plays a pivotal role in awakening Snow White from her enchanted sleep with true love’s kiss. While the exact age of the prince is not explicitly mentioned, his actions and quest for love indicate a level of maturity and adulthood.
He is depicted as a hero who embarks on a journey to find his true love and break the spell that has befallen Snow White. Such a quest is often associated with older, more experienced individuals
The Controversy Surrounding Snow White’s Age
Despite the clues above, the exact age of Snow White in the original story remains a matter of interpretation. Some argue that her age is ambiguous and deliberately open to personal imagination. Others believe Snow White is as young as seven, pointing to her immaturity and vulnerability. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.
Final Thoughts
While the original story of Snow White does not explicitly state the age of Snow White or her charming prince, various elements within the narrative provide insights into their respective age ranges.
Snow White’s innocence, naivety, and association with youth suggest a younger age, while the prince’s heroic role and quest for true love imply a level of maturity and adulthood.
Like many aspects of fairy tales, the age of Snow White’s charming prince remains open to interpretation, allowing readers and viewers to imagine their own version of this enchanting tale.
