Who Said Magic Mirror On The Wall

Who Said "Magic Mirror on the Wall"?

The iconic phrase "Magic Mirror on the Wall" is instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the classic fairy tale "Snow White." This phrase, spoken by the Evil Queen, has become synonymous with vanity, obsession with beauty, and a desire for power. But the question remains: who actually said it? While the phrase itself isn't directly quoted in the original Brothers Grimm version of the tale, it has become so deeply ingrained in the story that it's often assumed to be part of the original text.

The Origins of "Magic Mirror on the Wall"

The story of Snow White, originally titled "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," was first published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812. The tale follows the story of a young princess, Snow White, who flees from her evil stepmother, the Queen, after she becomes jealous of Snow White's beauty. The Queen, seeking to maintain her position as the fairest in the land, consults a magic mirror, asking it who is the fairest of them all. The mirror, with its magical powers, responds by declaring the Queen the fairest, until Snow White emerges and steals her title. This leads the Queen to plot Snow White's demise, setting in motion the events that lead to the iconic fairy tale.

While the actual phrase "Magic Mirror on the Wall" never appears in the original Grimm version, the dialogue between the Queen and the mirror echoes this sentiment. The Queen asks the mirror, "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who in this land is fairest of all?" This line, while not identical to the phrase that has become so ingrained in the story, captures the essence of the Queen's obsession with beauty and her use of the mirror to maintain power.

The Evolution of the Phrase in Adaptations

As the story of Snow White has been retold and adapted countless times through movies, plays, and other media, the phrase "Magic Mirror on the Wall" has become increasingly common. The Disney version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, cemented the phrase in popular culture. The Evil Queen in this version, famously voiced by Lucille La Verne, repeatedly asks the mirror, "Magic Mirror on the Wall, who is the fairest one of all?" This version of the phrase directly contributes to its widespread recognition and use.

The inclusion of the phrase, with its emphasis on the magic aspect, adds a theatrical and dramatic flair to the story. It also highlights the Queen's obsession with vanity and her reliance on the mirror to confirm her perceived beauty. The phrase has become so iconic that it is often used to represent the Queen's character and her relentless pursuit of power.

The Legacy of "Magic Mirror on the Wall"

The impact of the phrase "Magic Mirror on the Wall" extends beyond the realm of fairy tales. It has become a cultural touchstone, representing a deeper exploration of themes like vanity, obsession, and the pursuit of beauty. The phrase has also inspired countless creative works, from paintings and sculptures to music and literature.

In contemporary culture, the phrase is often used humorously to comment on self-absorption and obsession with appearances. It has become a popular internet meme, used to satirize situations where individuals are preoccupied with their image or seek validation from others. The phrase continues to be relevant, serving as a reminder of the enduring themes of beauty, power, and self-perception that resonated in the original fairy tale and continue to be relevant in our own time.