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Fairy Tales, Myths, and Pandemics
Overcoming a Familiar Foe in Different Clothing
The world is a scary place, but it is also wondrous. That’s what fairy tales taught us as children. They spoke to our hearts and gave us wisdom beyond what any parental advice or textbook could convey. Their messages seeped into our subconscious minds, planting seeds that one day would grow — their knowledge coming back to us when we need it most. Now is such a time.
Our parents could tell us to be careful, to not let greed or hunger take us to dangerous places, and to beware of strangers. Or we could read Hansel and Gretel. Our friends could tell us that we can’t escape our fate, and that true love will revive us. Or we could read Sleeping Beauty. Our teachers could tell us to be nice to those less fortunate and not try to be someone we’re not, or that if we were true and good, we would be rewarded, even if things seemed hopeless. Or we could read Cinderella.
Every fairy tale has an underlying message told in myth. Myth meaning the really real — the stuff Jung’s archetypes are made of. And these mythic tales aren’t as simple as I’ve portrayed. They cut deeper. They speak to us beyond words and resonate in our hearts.
Their greatest gift is letting us know that the world isn’t black or white; life isn’t all happiness or sorrow…
