After reading Susan’s post I had Disney on my mind, which got me thinking about all the 
amazing movies that the company has made. From there I somehow began wondering about the origins of Disney’s films. I had already known that “Aladdin” was based on the Arabian folk tales, but after a little bit of research I was shocked to discover where many of Disney’s ,movies stem from. Many of Disney’s films are based on either folk tales, myths, or previously published stories. The people at Disney do a great job of adapting whatever source they are working with into a fun and amusing animated adventure. They usually combine the original story line, great music, child friendly subject matter, and a couple of jokes for the adults(to help them enjoy and not dread going to a “kid’s” movie). The variety of sources used for these movies is astounding and it’s so interesting how a great family movie can be produced from such diversity. Here is a short list of some of our Disney favorites and what they are based on. It’s cool how over time old art and culture develops into new art and culture.
Snow White-“Snow White”-Brothers Grimm, The Jungle Book- various stories from Rudyard Kipling, Robin Hood-“The Legend of Robin Hood”, The Lion King- inspired by Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, Pocohantas- The legend of Pocohantas and accounts by John Smith, The Hunchback of Notre Dame- story by Victor Hugo, Hercules- myth of Hercules, Mulan- legend of Hua Mulan, Tangled(new movie coming soon)- “Rapunzel” Brothers Grimm
These are just some for a larger list click here
Disney has its place. The stories and movies they make for children are valuable on many levels, and I remember watching my children’s knowledge of the world unfold and blossom as they followed the plight of Bambi, the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, etc. etc. These stories help children learn about good and evil, loyalty, love, struggle, and a host of other human emotions. In many ways, literature and stories provide us all (in all cultures) with a way of knowing the world. They are far more than just entertainment. The stories told in a particular culture say a lot about the values of that culture.