Fifty Famous Fairy Tales

Classic fairy tales are quite different from modern stories. Today they are "children's stories." This may be more due to the short and simple nature than the actual content. There is plenty of violence in these stories. There are also mixed messages. In some, the protagonist does something stupid, but through cunning escapes the consequences. In others, they face the consequences of the stupid actions. Do these stories depict the values of past times? Or are they just entertaining stories? 

Superficial looks and wealth also are more important. Beauty does fall in love with beast - but after that, he turns back into a prince. In Puss and Boots, through cunning, the cat helps his master to pass as a wealthy prince. However, in Princess and the Pea, a "real princess" has unique characteristics that allow her to be identified. Are royals different? Or are they just normal people that stumbled into a good condition in life? 

These stories do come from many different sources. Perhaps some of the differences are a result of their different origins. Or perhaps they are all just sources of entertainment.