Beauty and the Beast and Rapunzel, two of the world’s most recognized fairy tales are entirely different subjects which have no relation to each other.
Must there have been any difference at all then what may or may not be known is that Beauty and the Beast was originally a French fairy tale known as La Belle Et La Bete which translates exactly to that while Rapunzel was a story written by the Brothers Grimm as most fairy tales are identified even though the brothers translated Beauty and the Beast into English.
However, having grown up with them and still being fascinated by them to this day, I cannot help but notice that deep within the storyline, perhaps near the surface appears to be a sense of close similarity according to the plot and pattern. Of course their plots are known to all who have read them so is unnecessary to say them again. My only purpose here is to say how they are similar
Drawn into tough situations due to the temptation of plants under feminine suggestion and demand
The story of Beauty and the Beast begins with a widowed merchant and his six children, including a kind and polite daughter known as Beauty (Belle in the original tale and Disney film). When the merchant loses his fortune due to a fire and shipwrecks, the family moves to a smaller home. Two years later, they learn that one of his trade ships has returned. Before departing to retrieve it, the merchant asks his children if they want any gifts. His older daughters request fine clothes and jewels, assuming their wealth is restored, while Beauty only wishes for his safe return. When he insists on bringing her something, she asks for a rose.
At the port, the merchant finds his ship’s cargo already sold, leaving him penniless. On his way home, he gets lost in a snowstorm and stumbles upon a grand castle. Finding food and shelter inside, he helps himself before leaving the next morning. Spotting a rose garden, he remembers Beauty’s request and picks a flower. Suddenly, the castle’s owner—a monstrous Beast—appears, enraged by the theft despite offering the merchant hospitality. He threatens to kill him but relents when the merchant explains the rose is for his daughter. The Beast allows him to leave on the condition that Beauty comes in his place; otherwise, the merchant must return or be hunted down. Surprisingly, the Beast also gifts him wealth, jewels, and fine clothes for his other children but insists he tell them the truth.
Beauty is horrified upon hearing what happened but willingly takes her father’s place, feeling responsible. Though reluctant, her father accepts her decision. The Beast, pleased with her arrival, rewards the merchant with more riches but forbids him from returning, though assures him that no harm will come to his daughter, whom he treats like a princess.
In Rapunzel, a couple longs for a child and eventually expects one. They move to a new neighborhood near a garden filled with tempting rampion, owned by a feared witch who forbids trespassing. The wife craves only the rampion, ignoring her husband’s reasoning.
When she refuses to eat anything else, he sneaks into the garden to steal some for her. In some versions, he succeeds multiple times before being caught. The witch accuses him of theft, but he pleads that his pregnant wife will die without the rampion.
Showing mercy, the witch allows him to take as much as he wants—on the condition that she may claim their child. When the baby girl is born, the witch keeps her promise to care for her and names her Rapunzel.
The common theme here is an ordinary woman desires something from a garden— Belle a flower and Rapunzel’s mother an edible plant. This similarity highlights the lengths to which devoted men will go for their families, especially their wives and daughters, even if it means risking their lives, or stealing, or making unwanted deals. Additionally, both stories feature a captor who, despite their role, provides care for the heroine. The Beast ensures Beauty’s comfort when her father sends her to him, much like the witch cares for Rapunzel. However, while Beauty enjoys a luxurious life with the Beast, Rapunzel is confined to a high tower, preventing her from straying too far, despite the witch’s care.
Heroes and Villains