“Blue Beard.” Old French Fairy Tales, Charles Perrault, Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1899, pp. 126-137.

Tale Summary

A rich gentleman called Blue Beard is unable to find a new wife due to his unusual beard and rumors about his missing wives. After lavishly entertaining a group of ladies, the youngest daughter of a noble lady decides to marry him. He gives his wife a set of keys to all the treasures in the house, commanding her not to use the smallest key, and leaves for business. She discovers his murdered wives after her curiosity gets the best of her. When Blue Beard returns and sees the key, stained with blood, he decides to kill her. She persuades him to let her pray first, and her sister signals their brothers for help. They kill Blue Beard, his widow inherits his wealth, and she eventually marries again and lives happily ever after.

Fairy Tale Title

Blue Beard

Fairy Tale Author(s)/Editor(s)

Charles Perrault

Fairy Tale Illustrator(s)

None listed

Common Tale Type

Maiden-killer

Tale Classification

ATU 312

Page Range of Tale

pp. 126-137

Full Citation of Tale

“Blue Beard.” Old French Fairy Tales, Charles Perrault, Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1899, pp. 126-137.

Original Source of the Tale

Charles Perrault

Tale Notes

Unlike the Grimm Brothers’ version, in Charles Perrault's version Blue Beard entertains his guests to win over a wife, the girl decides to marry Blue Beard of her own volition instead of being pressured to, and the girl’s sister call for their brothers to save her. Also, in other versions, the girl returns home with her brothers and keeps the treasures, remaining a widow. Here in Perrault’s she shares her wealth with her sister and two brothers, keeping the rest for herself and her new husband.