Sun, Moon, and Talia

“Sole, Luna, e Talia [Sun, Moon, and Talia]” by Giambattista Basile

The 17th century Italian tale is commonly believed to be the chief source of Perrault’s “Sleeping Beauty.” One of the chief differences between the tales is that in Basile’s version the King does not wake Talia, but instead enjoys sexual relations with her while she sleeps. Moreover, Talia gives birth to two babies while asleep, and awakens only when one of them sucks out the enchanted splinter.

READ THE STORY ONLINE

Check out a print version:

(English) Basile, Giambattista. “Sun, Moon, and Talia.” [“Sole, Luna, e Talia”]. The Great Fairy Tale Tradition: From Straparola and Basile to the Brothers Grimm. Ed. Jack Zipes. Trans. Jack Zipes. New York: W.W. Norton, 2001. 685-688.