Definition of "fairy tale."

[Melissa]

Definitions seem to usually describe fairy tales as being stories based on or influenced by oral tradition. But there are plenty of stories that I consider to be fairy tales that were created by a specific author, rather than being based on folklore or oral tradition.

For example, many of Hans Christian Andersen's stories, I believe, were entirely his own. Of course he was influenced by existing stories, like the idea of mermaids, but the stories themselves he imagined.

What do you consider to be a fairy tale? What are the requirements for a fairy tale?

[Noel]

For me, I think a fairy tale requires some sort of magic and/or mythical creature.