For instance, Aliette de Bodard’s “The Counting of Vermillion Beads” shows what happens when the sisters, Tam and Cam stick together, instead of turning against each other as in the original Vietnamese folktale. “Olivia’s Table” by Alyssa Wong retells the Hungry Ghost Festival that originated in China. The tales feature themes of love, family, and identity, and power, and are from countries like China, Korea, India, Vietnam, Philippines, and Japan. Despite being aimed at young adults, the anthology is great for anyone who loves fairy tales. Each retold story is followed by the author’s note on the actual story and what inspired them to choose that particular story. In A Thousand Beginnings and Endings, fifteen authors retell different Asian myths, often reimagined from different perspectives. A Thousand Beginnings and Endings, edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman However, some anthologies are rewriting and retelling fairytales, myths, and legends from different perspectives, like Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gill and A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by We Need Diverse Books’ Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman. Fairytales have been rightly criticized for showing binaries, stereotypes, and abuse.

Thankfully, some recent Disney films show the main female characters saving herself. We have all read fairy tales and seen Disney versions where the main character, the princess, the girl, the mermaid, or someone else, has an adventure or a problem and is usually saved by a man.

Nikita gill fierce fairytales