Sleeping Beauty – A 5 Minute History

A5 is a five-minute fun history lesson with host Micah on a fairy tale subject, usually preceding a fairy tale story with hosts Micah and Andrea.

In this special “5 Minute History” episode of Tales of Bedlam, host Micah takes you on a whirlwind journey through six centuries of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.

From the unsettling origins in the 1300s oral tale Troy and Zeladine, to the shocking events in Sun, Moon, and Talia, and finally to the more sanitized and romanticized versions by Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, and Quiller-Couch, this episode uncovers how the story transformed over time.

You’ll hear about themes that were once central—non-consensual sex, betrayal, and cannibalism—and how later versions reshaped the narrative to focus on love, respect, and redemption. Whether you’re a fairy tale aficionado or a history buff, this episode offers an eye-opening look at one of the world’s most beloved stories.

Tune in, learn something new, and get ready for the next full episode featuring Sun, Moon, and Talia—the tale that started it all.

What version of Sleeping Beauty surprised you the most?

Drop us a comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you prefer to read about the A5 History of Sleeping Beauty, click this link to read the blog.

Sign Up Now!
Never miss an episode! Subscribe for no more than once a week updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive bonus material from your favorite fairy tale podcast.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

2 thoughts on “Sleeping Beauty – A 5 Minute History”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *