Bluebeard (French: La Barbe bleue) is a European fairy tale. The earliest know version of the story was written by the French author Charles Perrault. It is possible that Perrault adapted "Bluebeard" from a pre-existing folktale or an earlier written version of the story that is now lost. The story may also have been inspired by genuine historical events.
The story's title character is a very wealthy man who, in spite of the strange appearance that his blue beard gives him, has recently persuaded a young woman to marry him. Before going away on a long journey, Bluebeard gives his wife keys to every lock in the house. He tells her not to unlock the door to one particular small room. Inevitably, the young woman's curiosity leads her to enter that room, where she discovers Bluebeard's dark secret.
Story
Bluebeard is a very rich man who has homes in the town and in the countryside. In spite of his wealth, he is unable to find a wife because he has a blue beard. This makes him look ugly and frightening. One of Bluebeard's neighbors is a noble woman who has two daughters. He asks the woman if he can marry one of her daughters. Both of the young women refuse to marry Bluebeard. Not only do they not like the look of his blue beard, they also know that he has been married several times before and that nobody knows what has become of his previous wives. Bluebeard invites the two young women, their mother and several of their friends to visit one of his homes in the countryside. They spend eight days hunting, fishing, feasting and dancing. The younger of the two daughters enjoys herself so much that she decides that Bluebeard is really a good man and that his beard is not really so blue. She agrees to marry him.
A month after their wedding, Bluebeard tells his wife that he has to go away on business for at least six weeks. He tells her that she can invite her sister and her friends to visit her in his absence. Before leaving, Bluebeard gives his wife keys which unlock all the doors, all the safes and all the boxes in the house. He points out to her one key which unlocks the door to a small room on the ground floor. He strictly forbids her from entering that small room and says that he will not be able to control his anger if he finds out that she has been in there.
The young woman's sister and friends come to visit her. Although she enjoys their company, she cannot stop thinking about the small room on the ground floor. She slips away from her guests, goes down to the small room and unlocks its door. At first, she can see nothing in the windowless room. She then notices that there is blood on the floor. Reflected in the blood, she sees bodies of dead women hanging on the walls of the room. They are the bodies of all of Bluebeard's previous wives whom he has murdered. In her horror, the young woman drops the key to the room and blood gets on it. She picks up the key and leaves the room. She tries to clean the key. Unfortunately, the key has been bewitched. Once blood gets on the key, it is impossible to remove the stain.
That night, Bluebeard returns home unexpectedly early. The following morning, he asks his wife to return the keys that he gave her. With a trembling hand, she gives him all of the keys except for the one to the small room on the ground floor. He tells her to fetch that key. He sees that there is blood on it and knows that his wife has disobeyed his order. he tells her that, since she was so keen to enter the little room, she can take her place there with all of his previous wives. Bluebeard's wife falls to his feet and begs for mercy. He tells her that she has to die and will die soon. She asks to be given some time to pray first. Bluebeard agrees to leave her alone for a short time.
The woman then finds her sister Anne. She says to Anne that their two brothers said they might visit her that day. She asks Anne to go up to the tower and to call out if she can see their brothers approaching. Anne does as she is told. Several times, Bluebeard's wife asks her sister if she can see their brothers coming. Each time, Anne replies that she cannot. Bluebeard also begins to shout up to his wife. He orders her to come down to him and says that he will go up to her if she does not.
Eventually, Anne says that she can see two men in the distance. Shortly afterwards, Bluebeard shouts so loudly that the entire house shakes. His wife finally goes down to him. he raises an enormous cutlass and prepares to strike off her head. At that moment, the young woman's two brothers, who are both soldiers, come through the door with their swords drawn. Bluebeard tries to run away from them but they catch him and kill him.
After Bluebeard's death, his widow inherits all of his wealth. She marries again, this time to a genuinely good man, and forgets about her terrible experience at the hands of Bluebeard.
Main Characters
Bluebeard: The titular character, Bluebeard is a wealthy and mysterious man with a fearsome reputation due to his blue-colored beard. He has been married several times, but all his previous wives have mysteriously disappeared. His true nature is revealed when his new wife uncovers the horrifying secret hidden in his House.
Bluebeard's Wife (The Young Wife): The protagonist of the story, she is Bluebeard's latest wife. Initially, she is curious and tempted by the forbidden chamber. Her decision to unlock the door leads her to discover Bluebeard's gruesome secret, putting her life in danger. She ultimately outwits Bluebeard with the help of her family.
The Sister (Anne): The young wife’s sister, Anne plays a crucial role in the story by aiding her sister during the climax. She delays Bluebeard long enough for their brothers to arrive and rescue her sister.
The Brothers: The young wife's brothers arrive just in time to save her from Bluebeard's wrath. They are brave and quick to act, ensuring that justice is served by killing Bluebeard.
Moral of the Story
Bluebeard teaches a powerful moral lesson about the dangers of curiosity and disobedience. The story warns that giving in to forbidden desires can lead to disastrous consequences, as seen through the young wife's perilous decision to unlock the forbidden chamber. Additionally, the tale serves as a cautionary message about trust and the hidden dangers that may lie behind outward appearances. The consequences of Bluebeard's actions, as well as those of his wife, underline the importance of wisdom, caution, and the understanding that not all secrets are meant to be uncovered. In the end, justice prevails, and the story reinforces that evil deeds will be punished, no matter how well they are concealed.