Why do castles feature in many of our best loved stories? - Teacher notes

Castles have long captured the imaginations of both children and adults, often featuring prominently in our most cherished tales. These grand structures are steeped in history and mystery, with their origins frequently rooted in legends and myths. Some of the most iconic fairy tale castles are those associated with figures like King Arthur and his fabled Camelot, as well as the fantastical residences of princesses in stories such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty—castles that have transcended the pages of storybooks to become real-world attractions in various theme parks across the globe.

For many children, the enchantment of castles is brought closer to home through play, as they often have their own miniature versions in the form of toys. These can range from the icy palace of Frozen to the gothic abodes of vampire lore. In an educational setting, pupils may be encouraged to bring their own toy castles to class and use them as creative props for crafting and narrating their own castle-based stories. This hands-on approach not only stimulates creativity but also helps children to connect with some of the more familiar fairy tales that feature castles, such as Rapunzel, Frozen, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and Shrek.