The Wisdom of Fairy Tales

by Rudolf Meyer

Fairy tales, though they were originally folk tales told to adults, have been a key part of childhood for centuries and remain popular today. Their patterns and morality have a profound influence on the developing mind of the child; they shape the way children understand ideas of good and evil, poverty and riches, beauty and ugliness. They stimulate the imagination and provide much-needed heroes and heroines. 

The deeper meaning of these tales, however, has often been lost. Rudolf Meyer explores key themes and images, such as the prince, animals, the tailor or enchantment, in well-known fairy tales. He shows how characters such as Snow White and Cinderella represent particular aspects of our own nature and how there is a deep wisdom to be found in their stories. 

This book will be fascinating and insightful reading for parents and teachers.

Table of Contents

1. The Inner Meaning of Fairy Tales 
2. The Destiny of Primal Wisdom 
3. Snippets of Knowledge 
4. Helpful Beings 
5. Secrets of the Seasons 
6. “The Juniper Tree” 
7. Brothers and Sisters 
8. Becoming Human 
9. The Cosmic Mystery of the Twelve 
10. Animals as Humanity’s Helpers 
11. Enchantment and Release 
12. The Powers of Darkness 
13. The Michael Mystery 
14. The Mystical Wedding 
15. The Virgin Sophia 
16. Observations on Some Motifs
17. Fairy Tales Around the World

 

The Wisdom of Fairy Tales - Rudolf Meyer (9780863152085) 12.99