Fairy Tales

Unfortunately, the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale.

Fairy tales are stories that are passed down through the culture of Remnant. Although generally regarded as mere myths and legends, even the most unlikely of stories are said to have some basis in reality.

Known fairy tales include the 'The Tale of the Two Brothers, The Shallow Sea, The Girl in the Tower and The Story of the Seasons. Of these, only the last is known in detail.

The Story of the Seasons


The 'Story of the Seasons' is a famous fairy tale. The story goes that an old hermit is visited by four sisters, who each in their own unique ways are kind to him; the first (Winter) by encouraging him to meditate and reflect, the second (Spring) by bringing him fruit and flowers and revitalising his garden, the third (Summer) convincing him to step outside and embrace the world, and the fourth (Fall) by encouraging him to be thankful for what he has. The old man gives the four sisters great powers in return for their kindness, and as the embodiment of the four seasons, they go through Remnant spreading their gifts.

Whilst ostensibly merely a story told to children, this story has a factual basis in the history of Remnant – the story purportedly tells of the origins of the four Maidens, who are the hosts of a tremendous power that has been passed down through the generations for thousands of years, throughout all of human history. Once common knowledge, the truth was kept secret for the safety of both the maidens and mankind, and passed into legend and obscurity over time.

Pyrrha Nikos recounts The Story of the Seasons in the episode "Fall", and remarks that her mother loves that story. Ozpin reveals to her the truth behind the story.

Trivia

 * Many characters in the show are based on fairy tales from the cultures of the real world. For example, Yang Xiao Long is based on the eponymous character of the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears.