Songrui Li

Fairy Ring and Fairy Tale

During Phase 2, I chose fairy rings and fairy tales as the core of my project. Rather than treating them as separate themes, I aimed to weave them together into a single fairy tale built upon the concept of the fairy ring.

These two ideas naturally resonate with one another: fairy rings are surrounded by myths and legends, most of which are associated with fairies, the fantastical beings that form the heart of many fairy tales. Also, mushrooms themselves possess an inherently fairy-tale-like quality and often appear in storybook illustrations. As symbols of fantasy and wonder, mushrooms instantly draw the audience into a dreamlike world.

Fairy Ring:

The rings are known throughout Europe. In tradition, they were called “sorcerers’ rings” in France, and “witches rings” in Germany, where they’re supposedly most active on Walpurgisnacht, the eve of April 30, when witches were believed to meet and hold large celebrations coinciding with the arrival of Spring.

In English, Scandinavian and Celtic and many other traditional European beliefs the rings were caused by fairies or elves dancing. Such events were associated especially with moonlit nights, and the sudden appearance of the rings in the morning were evidence of a dance the evening before.

In Scotland it was believed the fairies sit on the mushrooms and use them as tables for their fetes, while in Wales the story goes that the mushrooms were picked by the fairy folk and used as parasols or umbrellas. Even now in Wales it’s said the rings signify an underground fairy village. Welsh folklore also considers the rings as locations of fertility and fortune, and claim that crops grown around them and livestock feeding nearby will flourish.

In contrast, the Dutch legends had it that the barren center of the ring was caused by the devil placing his milk-churn there.

The Austrian tradition said flying dragons caused the rings, blighting the area so only toadstools could grow there for seven years.

French folklore believed the strange circles were guarded by giant toads that would curse anyone that happened into the ring.

If you dare to enter a ring, many myths warn you will die young. You also become invisible to the mortal world, unable to escape the ring, or you are transported instantly to the fairy realm. You might also lose an eye for your foolishness. Either way, you will be forced to dance around the ring until you die of exhaustion or madness.

To avoid this terrible, cavorting fate, you can take specific measures, such as running around the ring nine times (nine times only, as 10 is too many and will undo the procedure). It is said that to enter the ring without penalty you can run around the ring during a full moon, but only in the direction the sun travels during the day.  If you do this you might hear the fairies dancing underground.

You might also wear a hat backwards, because this is said to confuse the fairies and they will not do you harm.

Ancient Origins, 2018

Sometimes the mischievous mystic folk would entice innocents into the rings to put them under their spell. Once in the ring the unfortunate soul would become invisible to the outside world and unable to leave the circle, unless rescued by folks casting thyme or marjoram into the circle, or using iron to touch the trapped person. Even when rescued the victim may face an untimely death, crumbling to dust or mouldering away when they eat their first food.

WildFoodUK, 2018

Based on the research above, it is clear that fairy rings are consistently associated with magical elements and appear in legends across different regions. These stories can generally be categorized into three types: portals connecting two worlds, places where fairies dance, and cursed areas that bring misfortune to those who step inside.

Based on the concept of fairy rings, a wide range of game mechanics can be developed. For example, fairy rings formed by different types of mushrooms could serve as teleportation points to distinct regions. Alternatively, stepping into a fairy ring might grant the player special abilities, which are often accompanied by negative side effects. Dancing can also be designed as a core mechanic, where players must engage in combat or recognize the fairies’ dance patterns in order to escape their current predicament.

Fairy Tale:

A fairy tale is a story that is usually written in prose narrative and usually includes magical or fantastical elements.

Fairy tales are meant to entertain but frequently include moral lessons or didactic messages. Despite their magical content, they reflect real human experiences and values.

Fairy tales follow a familiar structure that guides the story from conflict to resolution. Typically, a central character faces a challenge, journey, or hardship. Along the way, they encounter magical helpers or obstacles—witches, enchanted objects, or mysterious creatures—that either aid or test them. 

Fairy tales usually include timeless themes that resonate across cultures and generations. One of the most common is the battle between good and evil, highlighting the victory of innocence or virtue.

Using these themes and combining them with enchanted elements of a fairy tale makes these stories not only entertaining but also a powerful tool for teaching values and emotional growth.

Fairy Tales

Fairy tales often follow a straightforward structure, centring on the struggle between the hero and the villain, a symbolic representation of the opposition between good and evil. These stories typically take place in fictional settings, such as forests, castles, or other locations that do not exist in real life, including magical worlds or fairy kingdoms. And the story progresses through a sequence of trials, shaped by repetition and rhythm, most notably the recurring pattern of three, which aids memorability. In the end, after overcoming all challenges and defeating the antagonist, the protagonist is rewarded with a happy ending. In addition, fairy tales often incorporate moral lessons and celebrate positive virtues throughout the narrative. (National Library of Scotland)

These stories typically take place in fictional settings, such as forests, castles, or other locations that do not exist in real life, including magical worlds or fairy kingdoms. (National Library of Scotland)

I decided to draw inspiration from classic fairy tales, but I do not intend to create a story centred on romance, and therefore, some options will be excluded. I also believe that references do not need to be limited to fairy tales alone, as other classic fantasy stories can be equally valuable. At present, I have not yet developed a clear outline for the story, and it will be further explored through continued research.

In terms of character design, I plan to take inspiration from Little Red Riding Hood, as it is not only a classic tale but also an iconic character.

Moreover, through my research into fairy tales, I gradually came to realize that, in recent years, audiences have become increasingly fascinated with “dark fairy tales” or reinterpretations that emphasize the harsh realities implied beneath traditional stories.

While it is true that some fairy tales, such as those found in the Grimm collection, do expose many darker aspects of society, their original intention was not merely to depict cruelty. Rather, these stories were meant to teach children how to properly understand their emotions, as well as feelings that were still new and unfamiliar to them.

For this reason, I believe that creating fairy tales in a more sincere and straightforward sense remains a meaningful direction worth exploring.

During this phase of the presentation, I referred back to the animation Princess TuTu, previously discussed in the post: Before Start, as a reference point. It represents my desire to frame the game’s narrative around a journey toward self-discovery as its core theme.

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