Description |
267 pages ; 22 cm |
Contents |
1. The inner meaning of fairy tales -- 2. The destiny of primal wisdom -- 3. Snippets of knowledge -- 4. Helpful beings -- 5. Secrets of the seasons -- 6. "The Juniper Tree" -- 7. Brothers and sisters -- 8. Becoming human -- 9. The cosmic mystery of the twelve -- 10. Animals as humanity's helpers -- 11. Enchantment and release -- 12. The powers of darkness -- 13. The Michael mystery -- 14. The mystical wedding -- 15. The virgin Sophia -- 16. Observations on some motifs -- 17. Fairy tales around the world |
Summary |
Fairy tales, though they were originally folk tales told to adults, have been a key part of childhood for centuries and remain popular today. Their patterns and morality have a profound influence on the developing mind of the child; they shape the way children understand ideas of good and evil, poverty and riches, beauty and ugliness. They stimulate the imagination and provide much-needed heros and heroines. The deeper meaning of these tales, however, has often been lost. Rudolf Meyer explores key themes and images, such as the prince, animals, the tailor or enchantment in well-known fairy tales. He shows how characters such as Snow White and Cinderella represent particular aspects of our own natures and how there is a deep wisdom to be found in their stories. --From cover |
Notes |
Includes index |
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Translation of: Die Weisheit der deutschen Volksmärchen |
Subject |
Anthroposophy.
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Children's literature -- History and criticism.
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Fairy tales -- History and criticism.
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Fairy tales -- Germany -- History and criticism.
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Tales -- History and criticism.
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Genre/Form |
Fairy tales.
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Author |
Lawson, Polly.
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ISBN |
0863152082 (paperback) |
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