Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty is a classic fairytale first written down by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, although versions of it have existed since antiquity. It tells the story of Princess Aurora, who falls asleep for 100 years after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel cursed by an evil fairy. She is eventually awakened from her slumber when she's kissed by Prince Charming, and they live happily ever after.
In literature, Sleeping Beauty has been used as both source material and inspiration for many authors throughout history. Writers such as Hans Christian Andersen, Margaret Atwood, Anne Rice, and Neil Gaiman have all reinterpreted the tale in their own unique ways. For example, Anderson wrote about how love can be stronger than any curse or spell, while Atwood explored themes of women's autonomy through her version, which sees Aurora take control over her destiny instead of relying on others to save her from harm.
The enduring popularity of this fairytale shows no sign of slowing down either; it remains one of the most beloved stories today, with new adaptations being made into films, television series, and books every year—a testament to its timeless appeal across cultures around the world.