Concept used in fairy tales
In fairy tales, a true love's kiss is a motif and commonly used trope whereby a kiss from a "true love" possesses magical powers and holds significant importance.
History.
The phrase "true love's kiss" in storytelling is recorded as early as the 16th century. In William Shakespeare's "Richard III", the title character uses the phrase "Bear her my true love's kiss" in act 4, scene 4.
In 1812, "Children's and Household Tales", written by the Brothers Grimm, included the concept of a magical true love's kiss from the prince to awaken the princess from her 100-year slumber in their adaptation of "Sleeping Beauty", "" ("Little Briar Rose"). The fairy tale was already present in "Mother Goose Tales", written by Charles Perrault in 1697, but in his version the princess woke up on her own when the prince knelt before her.
Another early example of true love's kiss can be found in the Grimms' "The True Bride" (), in which the heroine breaks the spell over her prince (an evil princess bewitched him to forget her) with true love's kiss.
In fiction.
The concept of 'true love's kiss' appears frequently in contemporary fairytale fantasy, including in various modern retellings of fairytales by Walt Disney Pictures.
Criticism.
During the 21st century, the concept of "true love's kiss" has faced some criticism due to concerns around consent and depictions of kissing asleep persons. Some critics have associated the trope of "true love's kiss" with heteronormativity and traditional gender stereotypes.
References.
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