Applying Theory

The 31 Functions of a Fairytale

1. Absentation: One of the members of the family leaves home

2. Interdiction. The hero is told not to do something, for example told not to do something.

3. Violation: The her does the interdiction anyway.

4. Reconnaissance: The villain makes an attempt to try and find something, for example the jewels.

5. Delivery: the villain find out information about the hero.

6. Trickery: The villain tries to trick the hero.

7. Complicity: The victim gives in, at this point the story looks as if it may end in tragedy.

8. Villainy: Villain causes harm to the hero/ family.

9. Mediation: defining moment in the story, hero finds out about the deceit.

10. Beginning counteraction: Hero now decite to act in a way to help the lack. Usually helped by the seeker.

11. Departure: The hero begins their journey.

12. First function of donor: hero is finally tested/interrogated/attacked.

13. The hero’s reaction: The hero reacts to actions of the future donor.

14. Provision or receipt of a magical agent: The hero then gets hold of the magical agent that will help the hero on their journey.


15. Spatial transference, guidance: hero is guided on their journey.

16. Struggle: The hero struggles to beat the villain.

17. Branding, marking: Hero is ’branded’, for example receives a scar/cut etc.

18. Victory: Hero beats the villain

19. Restoration/ Lack liquidated: Initial misfortune is resolved, for example a spell is broken/ curse lifted etc.

20. Return: Hero returns back a legend.

21. Pursuit, chase: Hero is followed by the pursuer, tries to eat/kill/undermine the hero.

22. Rescue: Hero is rescued from pursuer.

23. Unrecognized arrival: Hero is unrecognized and returns home/to a different country

24. Unfounded claims: False hero then presents untrue claims.

25. Difficult task: Hero is given a difficult task.

26. Solution: The task is resolved.

27. Recognition: Hero is finally recognized.

28. Exposure: The false hero/villain is exposed.

29. Transfiguration: New appearance is given to the hero

30. Punishment: Villain is finally punished.

31. Wedding: Hero is usually married/descends the throne/rewarded or promoted.