Fairy tale Quote by Seanan McGuire
““The humans aren’t stupid, no matter what the purebloods say; they’re just blind, and sometimes, that’s worse. They put their fear in stories and songs, where they won’t forget it. “Up the airy mountains and down the rushy glen, I dare not go a-hunting for fear of little men.” We’ve given them plenty of reasons to fear us. Even if they’ve almost forgotten — even if they only remember that we were beautiful and not why they were afraid — the fear was there before anything else. There were reasons for the burning times; there’s a reason the fairy tales survive. And there’s a reason the human world doesn’t want to see the old days come again.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Witchwood Crown, 2021
Humans fear the unknown, using stories to mask deeper anxieties, while myths persist because they echo timeless worries.
In simple terms: Humans use stories to hide fear of the unknown.
Key Takeaway
Recognize fear behind myths.
Themes
fear
myth
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching history
- writing fiction
- counseling
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
psychology
cultural memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do myths shape our actions?
- Can fear be transformed into courage?
A Different Perspective
Myths can also empower and inspire change.
