Fairy tales are often thought of as innocent and lighthearted stories that children can enjoy, but their origins are often much darker than most people realize. These tales were often used as cautionary tales to teach children important lessons about the dangers of the world.

Little Red Riding Hood: In the original version, the wolf eats both Little Red and her grandmother, and there is no happy ending.

Cinderella: In some versions of the story, Cinderella's stepsisters cut off their toes and heels to try and fit into the glass slipper.

Snow White: The evil queen doesn't just want to kill Snow White in the original tale, she also wants to eat her heart and liver.

The Little Mermaid: In the original story, the Little Mermaid's legs constantly feel like she is walking on sharp knives, and she ultimately dies by turning into sea foam.

Hansel and Gretel: The witch doesn't just try to cook the children in the oven, she also makes Gretel her servant and forces her to clean the house.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin: In the original tale, the Piper leads the children to a cave where they are never seen again.

Bluebeard: Bluebeard murders his previous wives and stores their bodies in a secret room, and his new wife only escapes because her brothers come to her rescue.

Beauty and the Beast: In the original story, Beauty's sisters try to kill the Beast and she only falls in love with him after having a series of nightmares.

The Three Little Pigs: In the original story, the wolf eats the first two pigs after they are unable to outsmart him.