Here's a breakdown:
* Early Influences: The idea of a charming, handsome prince rescuing a damsel in distress can be traced back to folklore and fairy tales, such as the story of "Sleeping Beauty" which dates back to the 14th century.
* Charles Perrault's "Cinderella" (1697): This version of the Cinderella story established the archetype of a prince who finds his ideal bride by a lost slipper, adding to the romantic and magical element of the figure.
* Brothers Grimm's "The Frog Prince" (1812): This tale depicts a prince who transforms into a frog due to a curse, emphasizing the importance of inner beauty and kindness beyond appearances.
* Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937): This animated film gave Prince Charming a name and solidified the image of the "classic" Prince Charming, a dashing, handsome, and noble figure who rescues a princess.
It's important to note that Prince Charming's character has also been reinterpreted and subverted in various adaptations and retellings, challenging the traditional image of the prince and exploring themes of female agency and societal expectations.