Disney’s Tangled made sure that Rapunzel was introduced to the world once again as part of a much-loved animated film by Disney Studios. However, the story of Rapunzel had already gained popularity many decades ago before Disney’s production, due to the efforts of the Grimm Brothers in the 19th century. For centuries, this story has survived and gained many different forms through literature, films, and theatrical performances around the world.

The tale that inspired Tangled has a much older history, with a version that differs greatly from Disney's beloved adaptation.

Interest in the original Rapunzel fairy tale has resurfaced as readers revisit the story that inspired Disney’s Tangled. While the animated version is full of humor and adventure, the Brothers Grimm version is full of themes of parental sacrifice, captivity, manipulation, betrayal, exile, and suffering. It has always been a much darker and more dramatic story than the family-friendly adaptation, which shows how much Disney changed the classic story.

In the original version, it starts before Rapunzel is even born. Her father steals rampion from a mysterious woman's garden to satisfy his pregnant wife's craving. Caught in the act, the desperate couple agrees to surrender their unborn child to the woman, Frau Gothel. She raises Rapunzel as her own before imprisoning her in a secluded tower with neither a door nor a staircase. Her only link to the outside world is her very long hair, which Gothel uses to climb up after calling her name from the tower. 

Meanwhile, Rapunzel develops romantic feelings for a prince who comes to see her by climbing through her hair. Sadly, the relationship fails as the woman discovers that her secret admirer is a prince, which she dislikes immensely. Therefore, she blinds him and sends Rapunzel away into the wilderness. After many years, the prince and Rapunzel meet again. She weeps on his face and restores his sight, and they live happily ever after.

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The tower and the wild hair were still there, but Disney had transformed the dark fairy tale into a lighthearted adventure.

Disney's Tangled, which is now set for its live-action adaptation, is an enjoyable retelling of Rapunzel's story that revolves around themes of self-discovery, freedom, and love. In this movie, the theme of tragedy does not dominate since it revolves around the adventures of a spirited princess whose magic hair allows her to flee from the tower along with the cunning thief Flynn Rider and see the world beyond her captivity. Moreover, she finds out the truth about herself, fights against the lies of Mother Gothel, and finally rejoins her royal family.

The Grimm Brothers' version is a more depressing story rooted in European folklore. The original features themes of sacrifice, imprisonment, treachery, and perseverance before the joyous reunion occurs. However, instead of going for tragic themes, the creators of Disney decided to add comedy, romance, and personal discovery, thus offering a family version that resonates with modern audiences. The enduring popularity of both versions proves that Rapunzel's timeless tale continues to captivate audiences, no matter how it is retold.

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Which classic fairy tale do you think has the darkest original story behind its Disney adaptation? Let us know in the comments.