Madame D’Aulnoy

Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d'Aulnoy, better known as Madame d'Aulnoy, was a French author of literary fairy tales and is credited with popularizing the term 'fairy tale' ('conte de fées') in France. Born in 1650, Madame d'Aulnoy was part of the French aristocracy and was well-educated, which allowed her to mingle with the literary elite of her time. Her work is significant in the canon of fairy tales for its imaginative and whimsical narratives, often featuring themes of love, betrayal, and transformation. She created elaborate tales that drew on both folklore and her own creative imagination, influencing later writers such as the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Her stories were not just entertainment; they were also a subtle critique of the society and politics of her time. Madame d'Aulnoy's literary output was extensive, and she remains an important figure in the history of fairy tales.