These benevolent, magical entities, often numbering three or more, are quintessential figures in the traditional tale. Their primary role is to bestow blessings or gifts upon the newborn princess, shaping her destiny. Frequently, one such being mitigates a curse, altering a fatal pronouncement into a prolonged slumber. An example is their granting of beauty, grace, musical talent, and ultimately, protection from death via enchantment.
The significance of these characters lies in their embodiment of hope and the potential for good to triumph over evil. Their intervention highlights the power of grace and compassion, providing a counterbalance to the forces of malevolence within the narrative. Historically, they represent a blend of fairy folklore and Christian allegories, reflecting cultural values related to virtue and divine intervention in human affairs.