A beloved plot in fiction is the classic rags-to-riches tale. It’s a story people want to read whenever they’re down on their luck or hope to find their one true love from far, far away. It’s a story we’ve seen in books, TV shows, movies, and anything that suits our imaginations. And of course, the story that started it all was Cinderella.

One of the most famous re-tellings of Cinderella comes from Disney. In this version, a young woman is forced to serve her evil stepmother and stepsisters. She soon hears that the prince of the kingdom is holding a ball to find a wife. She tries to go, but her wicked family ruins her dress and forces her to stay behind. Helpless, she cries, only to be heard by her fairy godmother. Her godmother dresses the young woman up to go to the ball but warns her that she must be back by midnight. Of course, the woman goes to the ball and dances with the Prince, unknowingly falling in love with him in the process. Unfortunately, when midnight comes, the young woman must flee the ball and accidentally leaves behind her glass slipper. The prince scours the kingdom for her, before finally finding her serving her family. They reunite, marry, and live happily ever after.

The original story by the Brothers Grimm wasn’t so nice, however. For one thing, Cinderella’s happy ending didn’t come as easily, or as neatly. Both her stepsisters cut off their own toes to be with the Prince, and, unfortunately, both managed to ride off with the Prince. It wasn’t until those tiny animals pointed out the blood pouring on the ground did he actually notice the stepsisters. And although the two did eventually marry, our titular Cinderella still ended up with a bloody slipper. For another, towards the end of the story, the evil stepsisters and stepmother tried gaining Cinderella’s favor. However, when they show up to the wedding, birds started pecking out their eyes. Finally, there was no fairy godmother. Rather, Cinderella visited her mother’s grave and spent a lot of time there. It was through that did she find 3 dresses she could use for the ball. The story further revealed that Cinderella was independent, and was perhaps even a talented witch, who was able to fend for herself.

Since then, there have been many retellings of this story. Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine Carson showcases Cinderella’s intelligence and resourcefulness. Cinder by Marissa Meyer adds a dystopian twist to the tale, with a cybernetic setting to top things off. And it isn’t just these books either. Legends and different retellings of Cinderella are littered throughout the world. It shows just how deeply ingrained the story is in our cultures. Whether it be the age-old idea that good triumphs over evil, or that anyone can be royalty, it’s clearly a story that continues to resonate with us. What’s more, the story shows that some values are universal, just as any good fairytale should.