In and Out of Enchantment: Blood Symbolism and Gender in Portuguese Fairytales

The core of fairytales is the realm of enchantment. This study argues that the bloodshed associated with menstruation, defloration and childbirth – natural episodes in the lifecycle of women – is central to a syntax of enchantment and disenchantment that is common to all fairytales. It is a reflection on the gendered voices that have generated and contributed to the structure and symbolism of fairytales; and it takes shape along with the discussion of Portuguese versions of wide-spread tale types like AT303 (The Two Brothers), AT313 (The Girl as Helper in the Hero's Flight and AT516 (Faithful John), as well as through an intriguing ecotype of Snake Helper tales (AT533*), 'The Little Snake'.