Fairy Quote by Andrew Lang
““In the old stories, despite the impossibility of the incidents, the interest is always real and human. The princes and princesses fall in love and marry--nothing could be more human than that. Their lives and loves are crossed by human sorrows...The hero and heroine are persecuted or separated by cruel stepmothers or enchanters; they have wanderings and sorrows to suffer; they have adventures to achieve and difficulties to overcome; they must display courage, loyalty and address, courtesy, gentleness and gratitude. Thus they are living in a real human world, though it wears a mythical face, though there are giants and lions in the way. The old fairy tales which a silly sort of people disparage as too wicked and ferocious for the nursery, are really 'full of matter,' and unobtrusively teach the true lessons of our wayfaring in a world of perplexities and obstructions.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Fairy Tales, collected by Andrew Lang, 1889
Fairy tales, despite fantastical elements, reflect genuine human emotions and moral challenges, teaching resilience and virtues.
In simple terms: Fairy tales show real human feelings behind magical stories.
Key Takeaway
Look for real lessons in fantasy.
Themes
humanity
morality
resilience
courage
love
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- storytelling
- cultural analysis
- psychology
Key Concepts
mythical archetypes
emotional truth
ethical lessons
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern adaptations preserve the original moral depth?
- What human virtues are most evident in these tales?
A Different Perspective
The moral lessons can be oversimplified or ignored in modern retellings.
