Cinderella Questions

How is magic used in each story in Algonquin Cinderella, Yeh-Shen & Cinderella

1. Algonquin Cinderella: In the Algonquin Cinderella story, magic is used to transform the protagonist's appearance. With the help of her animal friends, the Cinderella character is magically changed from a ragged young girl into a beautiful woman dressed in elegant clothing and accessories. This enchantment allows her to attend the feast and capture the attention of the chief's son.

2. Yeh-Shen: In the Yeh-Shen story, magic is also utilized to help the main character. Yeh-Shen possesses a magical fish, which acts as her protector and grants her wishes. Whenever she is in need, she can call upon the fish and make a wish. This magical element aids Yeh-Shen throughout the story, allowing her to acquire beautiful clothes and attend the feast where she eventually finds her true love.

3. Cinderella: In the traditional Cinderella story, magic is primarily associated with the fairy godmother character. As Cinderella faces mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, her fairy godmother appears and uses magic to transform Cinderella's appearance. She turns a pumpkin into a carriage, mice into horses, a rat into a coachman, and Cinderella's rags into a beautiful gown. Additionally, the fairy godmother provides Cinderella with glass slippers, another magical element in the story. These enchanted slippers play a significant role as they fit only Cinderella's feet, leading to her eventual recognition by the prince.