Fairy tales, then, are not responsible for producing in…
““Fairy tales, then, are not responsible for producing in children fear, or any of the shapes of fear; fairy tales do not give the child the idea of the evil or the ugly; that is in the child already, because it is in the world already. Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon. Exactly what the fairy tale does is this: it accustoms him for a series of clear pictures to the idea that these limitless terrors had a limit, that these shapeless enemies have enemies in the knights of God, that there is something in the universe more mystical than darkness, and stronger than strong fear.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Fairy tales teach children that fears have limits and can be overcome by courage and moral forces.
In simple terms: Stories show fear can be beaten.
Key Takeaway
Use stories to confront and limit fear.
Themes
courage
fear
mythology
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- therapy
- creative writing
Key Concepts
psychology
symbolism
heroic archetype
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern stories help children face fear?
- How can we balance realism and myth?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplifying fear may ignore complex anxieties.