Abstract:
This dissertation consists of two parts: Part 1, a poetry manuscript, Eenduisend-en-een
grimmige nagte – Die toring met twaalf vensters, was conceptualised, creatively transformed
and completed using the fairytale motif and genre. Part 2 is a dissertation of limited scope,
which explores the fairytale theme within the creative text, Eenduisend-en-een grimmige
nagte – Die toring met twaalf vensters – analysing the poetry within a holistic theoretical
framework and perspective. The premise, and introduction to the study, in Chapter 1 centres
around the primary research question: “What is the nature and the origin of the fairy tale?”
Chapter 2 addresses the nature and the origin of the fairytale by giving a short summary about the fairytale to understand the difference between the fairytale, folktale, myth, legend, fable
and fantasy genres. Chapter 3 lists authors and a few examples of selected texts from world
literature where the genre of the fairytale was used. The use of the fairy tale in Afrikaans
texts is not a new phenomenon. Chapter 4 therefore looks at the application of the fairy tale in
selected Afrikaans texts. In Chapter 5 the use of the fairy tale theme, genre and motifs in the
creative text Eenduisend-en-een grimmige nagte – Die toring met twaalf vensters is
examined. The last chapter, Chapter 6, gives a synopsis of the proceeding chapters. The study
shows that the fairy tale is not only relevant, but also essential in the twenty-first century, as
its adaptable nature ensures it survival in literature as a reflection of modern society.
