The Top 10 Places That Inspired Fairytales and Myths
Have you ever wondered where the stories of fairy tales and myths came from? Well, some of them were inspired by real places. Discover the top 10 places that inspired fairy tales and myths.
1. Alcazar de Segovia, Spain - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Alcazar de Segovia is a stunning castle in Spain that has a history of over 800 years. It has been used as a royal residence, a military school, and a museum. It has a unique shape that looks like a ship’s bow, and a bridge that crosses a moat. The castle is also linked to fairytales, as it inspired Walt Disney when he made the film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The castle in the film resembles the Alcazar, and it has a tower where the wicked queen keeps her mirror. The Alcazar is one of the castles that represent the Walt Disney Company, along with other famous castles from Europe.
Alcazar de Segovia, Spain |
2. Collodi, Italy - Pinocchio
Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who comes to life and learns from his mistakes. He was created by Carlo Collodi, an Italian writer who used a pen name and a village as his sources of inspiration. Collodi grew up in the village of Collodi, a beautiful place in Tuscany, Italy, where he later based his novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio, published in 1883. The novel became a classic of children’s literature and was adapted into many forms, including a famous Disney film in 1940. The village of Collodi also honors Pinocchio with a theme park that features art, exhibits, and events related to the beloved character.
Collodi, Italy |
3. Chillon Castle, Switzerland - The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer who traveled a lot and found inspiration in many places. One of them was Chillon Castle, a beautiful and historic castle in Switzerland, where he visited in 1835. He wrote and drew about the castle and used it as a model for his tale. He was especially moved by the dungeon, where he saw the signs of the prisoners. He used this to portray the mermaid who trades her freedom for love. The Little Mermaid was published in 1837 and became a classic. It was also adapted into a Disney film and other versions.
Chateau Chillon Castle in Switzerland |
4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany - Cinderella
Neuschwanstein Castle is a beautiful and majestic castle in Germany that was built by King Ludwig II, a dreamy and eccentric ruler. The castle is a wonder of art and architecture, with its stunning views and decorations. The castle was also a sanctuary and a fantasy for the king, who loved fairy tales and legends. The castle inspired Walt Disney when he made the film, Cinderella. The castle in the film looks like Neuschwanstein, and it has a clock tower, a bridge, and a ballroom. The castle is one of the symbols of the Walt Disney Company, along with other famous castles from Europe.
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany |
5. Alsace, France - Beauty and the Beast
Alsace is a fairy tale region in France that has beautiful villages, vineyards, and castles. It has a special culture and identity that mixes French and German influences. Alsace inspired the makers of the film, Beauty and the Beast, a story of a girl who loves a beastly prince. The film shows a village that looks like the villages of Alsace, with their wooden houses, flowers, and stones. The film also shows a castle that looks like the castles of Alsace, with their towers, walls, and history.
Alsace, France |
6. Mont Saint-Michel, France - Tangled
Mont Saint-Michel is a beautiful and historic island in France that has an abbey on top of it. The abbey was built over many years and it is a place of worship and wonder. The abbey is dedicated to Saint Michael, the angel. Mont Saint-Michel inspired the makers of the film, Tangled, a story of a girl who is trapped in a tower by a witch. The film shows a kingdom that looks like Mont Saint-Michel, with its island, its abbey, and its bridge. The film also shows a lantern festival that looks like the one in Mont Saint-Michel.
Mont Saint-Michel, France |
7. Notre Dame, Paris - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Notre Dame is a magnificent and historic cathedral in Paris, France, that stands on an island in the river. It is a world-famous monument that has art and architecture, and that hosts worship and culture. It is also a witness and a survivor of many events and tragedies, such as the revolution, the wars, and the fire. Notre Dame inspired Victor Hugo, who wrote a novel about Quasimodo, a bell-ringer who lives in the cathedral, and Esmeralda, a gypsy who is in trouble. The novel is a great work of literature and a social commentary, as it deals with love, justice, and fate. The novel became a Disney film and other adaptations.
Notre Dame, Paris |
8. Dunnottar Castle, Scotland - Brave
Dunnottar Castle is a magnificent and historic castle in Scotland that stands on a cliff by the sea. It was built in the 13th century and it was involved in many wars and events, such as the independence, the risings, and the civil war. It is also a place of mystery and legend, as it is haunted by ghosts and spirits. Dunnottar Castle inspired the makers of the film, Brave, a story of a girl who changes her fate and her mother. The film shows a castle that looks like Dunnottar Castle, with its cliffs, its walls, and its towers. The film also shows the scenery and the culture of Scotland, such as the hills, the lakes, the clans, and the pipes.
Dunnottar Castle, Scotland |
9. Mount Olympus, Greece - Greek Mythology
Mount Olympus is the highest and most mythical mountain in Greece, where the gods and goddesses lived and ruled. The ancient stories tell of their adventures and conflicts with humans and creatures, and their influence on the world. Mount Olympus is also a beautiful and protected place, with a variety of plants and animals. It is also a sacred and historical place, where people have worshipped, visited, and explored. It is also a place of challenge and fun, where people enjoy hiking, climbing, and mountaineering.
Mount Olympus in Greece |
10. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland - Finn MacCool
Giant’s Causeway is a stunning and ancient site in Northern Ireland that has thousands of basalt columns by the sea. The columns were formed by a volcano millions of years ago, and they have different shapes and sizes. Giant’s Causeway is also a place of folklore and fantasy, as it is linked to a story of a giant named Finn MacCool. Finn MacCool built the causeway to fight a Scottish giant named Benandonner, but he was scared of him and hid as a baby. Benandonner saw the baby and thought the father was huge, and he ran away, breaking the causeway.
Giant’s Causeway, , Northern ireland |
Conclusion
If you love fairytales and myths, you might want to visit some of the places that inspired them.These places are full of magic and wonder. You can see the sights, hear the stories and learn more about the history and culture of the people and regions behind the fairytales and myths.