Who Is the Author of “Cinderella?”

Although variations of the story have been around for several centuries, 17th century writer Charles Perrault appears to be the author of the Western version of “Cinderella.” In its original French form, the heroine was called “Cendrillon.”

The Brothers Grimm published an adaptation of the story, but their tale is markedly different from the modern tale. No fairy godmother appeared, although Perrault had included her. Instead, a bird who lives in a magic tree, which was planted on the grave of Cinderella’s mother, presented the young woman with gifts. The tree grew from a hazel branch that Cinderella received from her father. In addition, no glass slipper appeared in either variation. Perrault wrote about a fur slipper, and the Grimms identified the footwear as golden.