The story of Donkeyskin and its themes have appeared in literature and other forms of art. This page provides a small discussion of some of the better known treatments by authors and other artists.

Literature   Poetry   Music   Film   Theatre

Literature: Novels

Lackey, Mercedes. Unnatural Issue: An Elemental Masters Novel. New York: DAW, 2011.
Amazon.com: Buy the book in hardcover or ebook.

NOVEL: From the publisher: "A brand-new Elemental Masters novel from the national bestselling author Mercedes Lackey. Richard Whitestone is an Elemental Earth Master. Blaming himself for the death of his beloved wife in childbirth, he has sworn never to set eyes on his daughter, Suzanne. But when he finally sees her, a dark plan takes shape in his twisted mind-to use his daughter's body to bring back the spirit of his long-dead wife."

McKinley, Robin. Deerskin. New York: Ace, 1993.
Amazon.com: Buy the book in hardcover or paperback.

NOVEL: When her growing beauty begins to resemble her mother's too closely, Princess Lissar must flee her father's wrath, and, in doing so, she unlocks a door into a world of magic.

Masson, Sophie. Serafin. Saint Mary's Press, 2000.
Amazon.com: Buy the book in hardcover or paperback.

Originally published in Australia as:
Masson, Sophie. Cold Iron. Australia: Hodder Headline, 1996.

NOVEL: Synopsis from the book cover: When the penniless Tattercoats is included in an invitation to the Earl of Mairnsey's grand ball, the servant-girl Malkin and Pug the gooseherd are determined that she will attend and claim the inheritance denied her since birth. Together they set off for the court, collecting a ragtag assortment of allies along the way. But their journey proves increasingly difficult as events overtake them and they become enveloped in a disturbing and powerful magic. Inspired by the English fairytale Tattercoats and Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'Cold Iron' is a cunningly complex and compelling tale that reawakens and revitalises the great fairytale tradition.

Return to top of page

Poetry

Snyder, Midori. "Donkeyskin." Endicott Studio Website. http://www.endicott-studio.com/cofhs/cofskin1.html.

Windling, Terri. "Donkeyskin." The Armless Maiden. Terri Windling, ed. New York: Tor Books, 1995.
Amazon.com: Buy the book in hardcover or paperback.

Return to top of page

Music

I have listed primarily classical compositions of music using the themes of this fairy tale in either ballet, opera or some other musical style. I have also provided links to popular recordings of the music when available at Amazon.com. The advantage to these links is that you can listen to samples of the music at no charge.

Return to top of page

Film

To learn more about these films, please visit the
Internet Movie Database.

Peau D'ane (1970). Jacques Demy, director. France. In French. Also known as Donkey Skin in USA.
Amazon.com: Buy the DVD or VHS.

Cast:
Catherine Deneuve .... Peau d'ane
Jean Marais .... The King
Jacques Perrin .... The Prince
Micheline Presle .... La Reine Rouge
Delphine Seyrig .... The Fairy
Fernand Ledoux .... Le Roi Rouge

Musical: A fairy godmother helps a princess disguise herself so she won't have to marry a man she doesn't love.

"Cap O' Rushes." Part of the Storybook International series. 1985.
Amazon.com: Buy the DVD.

LIVE ACTION: In a tale that influenced Shakespeare's King Lear, a father asks his three daughters to describe their love for him. The youngest daughter's answer angers the father so much that he banishes her from his home. Later, he comes to appreciate the depth of her love when the meaning of her answer becomes clear.

Sapsorrow (1987). Part of Jim Henson's The Storyteller TV series. Directed by Steve Barron. United States.
Amazon.com: Buy the DVD or VHS.

Upon fleeing her kingdom to escape an arranged marriage, the lovely Princess Sapsorrow toils in the kitchen of a faraway palace, disguised as an ugly hag. Her masquerade is no ball, as Sapsorrow has fallen in love with a Prince, who sees her only as a peasant!

Return to top of page

Theatre

None so far!

Return to top of page