Interesting Facts About the Film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST That Were Inspired by a True Story

Who would have thought that one of Disney's most iconic animated films actually has its roots in real life? Behind the fairytale BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, which is rich in the meaning of true love, lies a tragic and touching story from the 16th century.

The story is not merely fiction or the imagination of the writer. The "beast" character in the tale actually existed and lived a life full of challenges. This story proves that love can grow even behind an unusual appearance.

To find out facts about the film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST that were inspired by a true story, just take a look at the following review.

1. Inspired by a True Story from the 16th Century

The film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (credit: imdb)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is not just a mere fairy tale. This story is rooted in the true tale of a man named Petrus Gonsalvus who lived in the 16th century. He had a rare condition that caused his face and body to be covered in hair, leading him to be referred to as the "wolf man".

2. His Real Figure Named Petrus Gonsalvus

Film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (credit: imdb)

Petrus was born in Tenerife, Canary Islands, in 1537, with a genetic disorder called hypertrichosis. At the age of 10, he was taken to France as an "exotic gift" for King Henry II and became an object of entertainment as well as research. Although initially seen as odd, the king and queen recognized Petrus's intelligence and began to educate him like a nobleman.

After King Henry II passed away, the queen arranged a marriage for Petrus with a beautiful woman named Catherine as a social experiment. At first, Catherine was afraid, but she eventually accepted Petrus, married him, and they had seven children, four of whom inherited their father's condition.

3. Once a Spectacle in European Palaces

Film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (credit: imdb)

The Petrus family became the center of attention in various European kingdoms. They were invited not to be honored, but to be displayed due to their physical appearance, which was considered strange. Their life resembled a traveling circus more than that of royal guests.

Because they continued to be a spectacle, this family eventually settled in Parma, Italy, under the protection of Duke Ranuccio Farnese, to live a quieter life.

4. Their Story Adapted into a Legendary Fairy Tale

Film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (credit: imdb)

Petrus spent his life with his family until his death in 1623. Although the cause of his death is not recorded, his story lived on for hundreds of years.

In the 18th century, Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote the fairy tale La Belle et la Bête, which is believed to be inspired by the story of Petrus and Catherine. From this, the popular version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was born.

5. Proof That Love Does Not Recognize Appearance

Film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (credit: imdb)

This story symbolizes that true love does not see looks. Behind the frightening physical appearance, Petrus and Catherine prove the existence of sincere love and a harmonious family. Their story is far more complex and heartbreaking compared to the animated version.

6. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it true that the film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is based on a true story?
A: Yes, this film is inspired by the true story of Petrus Gonsalvus and Catherine in the 16th century.

Q: Who is Petrus Gonsalvus?
A: A man from Tenerife who suffers from hypertrichosis and became the main inspiration for the character "Beast" in the story.

Q: Did he really marry a beautiful woman?
A: Yes. He married Catherine, a court servant chosen by the queen as a partner in a "social experiment".

Q: Do they have children?
A: Yes, they had seven children, four of whom inherited the condition of hypertrichosis.

Q: When was the fairy tale BEAUTY AND THE BEAST first written?
A: The early version of the fairy tale was written more than 100 years after Petrus's death, by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.

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