Princess Belle-Etoile

"Princess Belle-Etoile" by Madame d'Aulnoy is a fairy tale written during the late 17th century. This enchanting story revolves around themes of family, magic, and true love, narrated through the adventures of the title character, Princess Belle-Etoile, and her brothers. It is emblematic of the classic fairy tale genre, with elements of royal intrigue and supernatural interventions. The narrative begins with three princesses who are blessed by a fairy after showing kindness to her. As the plot unfolds, jealousy and wickedness threaten their happiness, primarily through the actions of Roussette and the evil old Queen. The children, who are revealed to have royal heritage, embark on a quest to discover the truth about their origins. Along the way, Prince Cheri, Belle-Etoile's steadfast brother, bravely seeks magical artifacts—the dancing-water and the singing-apple—each guarded by perilous conditions. Ultimately, after overcoming numerous challenges with the help of magical creatures and their unwavering bond, the siblings reclaim their rightful place in the royal family, properly reuniting with their parents, leading to the defeat of the malevolent forces in their lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d'Aulnoy, also known as Countess d'Aulnoy, was a French author known for her literary fairy tales. Her 1697 collection Les Contes des Fées coined the literary genre's name and included the first story to feature "Prince Charmant" or Prince Charming.