Cinderella's origin is a bit tricky to pinpoint because the story is a classic fairy tale with roots in many cultures. While there's no definitive country of origin, the most widely recognized version of Cinderella is French.
The French Connection
- Charles Perrault's version: The most popular version of Cinderella was written by French author Charles Perrault in the 17th century. His version, titled Cendrillon, is the one most people are familiar with, featuring the glass slipper, the fairy godmother, and the cruel stepmother.
- Popularization: Perrault's version helped popularize the Cinderella story worldwide.
Other Influences
- Ancient Egypt: Some scholars believe the Cinderella story originated in ancient Egypt, with a similar tale involving a young woman named Rhodopis who was rescued by a king.
- Ancient Greece: Another potential source is ancient Greece, with the story of Psyche, who endured hardships and eventually married the god Eros (Cupid).
Although the Cinderella story has been told and retold across cultures for centuries, the French version by Charles Perrault is the most widely recognized and influential.
