Why Fairy Tales?

“They [myths] are true stories, describing events that never occurred in history but which took place, as they are still taking place, in the timeless realm of the collective unconscious.”

Patrick Harper

Daimonic Reality: A Field Guide to the Otherworld

Fairy tales and myths hold a significant place in the realm of depth psychology, offering profound insights into the human psyche. From this perspective, these stories are not merely fanciful narratives but are rich with symbolic meanings that reflect our inner world and collective unconscious. Pioneers like Carl Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz have explored how archetypal themes in these tales resonate with universal psychological patterns, helping individuals navigate their personal and spiritual development. Myths and fairy tales serve as mirrors to our deepest fears, desires, and conflicts, providing a symbolic language through which we can explore the complexities of the human experience. By engaging with these stories, individuals can uncover hidden aspects of their psyche, achieve greater self-awareness, and facilitate psychological healing and growth. In essence, fairy tales and myths act as guides on our journey to self-discovery, illuminating the path to wholeness and integration.

“Fairy tales are the purest and simplest expression of collective unconscious psychic processes. Therefore their value for the scientific investigation of the unconscious exceeds that of all other material. They represent the archetypes in their simplest, barest, and most concise form. In myths or legends, or any other more elaborate mythological material, we get at the basic patterns of the human psyche through an overlay of cultural material. But in fairy tales there is much less specific conscious material, and therefore they mirror the basic patterns of the psyche more clearly.”

Marie-Louise Von Franz

The Interpretation of Fairy Tales