Definition of Fairy Tales

Fairy tales have been and will remain to be adored across the globe. Fairy tales are stories that possess distinct archetypes and motifs as well as structure that separates the genre from others. Furthermore, fairy tales adapt over time to withstand the test of time; however, the fairy tale essence is preserved through said archetypes, motifs, and story structure.

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                According to Bettelheim, ‘fairy tales carry  important messages to the conscious, preconscious, and the unconscious mind…By dealing with universal human problems…these stories speak to his budding ego and encourage its development while at the same time relieving preconscious and unconscious pressures” (6). That being said, fairy tales have the capacity to foster psychological development of the ego as well as a tool to cope with internal conflict. Audiences can easily connect with fairy tale characters and feel at peace with themselves for finding similarities in their beloved characters.

                Fairy tales are often shared with children for entertainment purposes or to instill values and teach moral lessons; however, the utilizations for fairy tales expand well beyond children and instructing moral examples. “In child or adult, the unconscious is a powerful detriment of behavior” (7), “Fairy tales carry important messages to the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious mind” (6), “Psychoanalysis was created to enable man to accept the problematic nature of life without being defeated by it” (8). At the surface fairy tales may seem to be happy go-lucky tales of fantasy and magic, but diving into deeper levels like Freud would, fairy tales possess crucial elements of psychological development. Strengthening the ego and allowing audiences to subconsciously examine themselves as individuals and feel a sense of unity with themselves and the fairy tale.

                Through and through, fairy tales are much more than amusing stories for young children, they hold rich value in psychological development, the moral compass, and can unlock behavioral/emotional action. It is no wonder these tales continue to be prized jewels of the world.