What Stories Unfold

Hans Christian Andersen relates a story close to home for all those who still enjoy the scent and feel of a live Christmas tree during the holidays. But this story speaks to the pain of youth and the cost of wanting only what is in front oneself. It is a story, too, of our failing as humans to regard all life as something with value in and of itself.

The Grimm Brothers' tale of how costly life's mistakes can be involves a step-queen's envy and jealousy that grows out of an unhealthy fixation with self-image, and Snow White's fault in being too trusting and not following the advice of elders not matter their size. The truth of this tale is dark indeed and Disney's version all but eliminates the lessons it holds.

Originally from Scandinavia, this story's message might align with the old adage "To Each His Own". A recent episode of The Nature of Things showed how city-dwelling is far more stressful than country dwelling, which suits the story's conclusion.

Originally from France, this tale speaks to the heart of what has come to be a common bit of advice - "Don't judge a book by it's cover." But it may also speak to the history and culture of how nobility always got whatever they wanted, even if it was outside their realm of influence and propriety. Perhaps the beast is the selfish greed within all of us that needs to be shed to attain true love.

This story carries strange, supernatural elements in it. A talking horse, a handkerchief with a mother's blood on it to protect her child, and a power to will the wind to blow. How to explain its meaning? It is story about the fear of death if one breaks their oath to keep secret their true identity and that of their imposter. It also a tale about the wisdom of elders and how their experience allows them to see more clearly the truth of others.

Disney fans will find as much unfamiliar and disturbing about this tale as they recognize their favourite parts, and Freud would have had a field day with this one. Deeply symbolic of the author's own journey through unrequited love, the dark undertones of a damaged psyche emerge on both sides of the surface in this classic.

Andrew Lang and his wife Leonora Blanche Alleyne translated and published 798 stories from 1889-1913. This tale from the Punjab encourages wisdom passed on from a village guru to ensure a long and prosperous life, portraying characters in the story as stereotypes of a bygone era whose traits are thankfully not acceptable by most cultures today.

This Grimm Brothers' story has been appropriated in so many ways but remains a cautionary tale about who to trust, and to always be skeptical. A story about the confidence game that is played to this very day.

Are we born with the character of becoming someone who is good to humanity or someone who wreaks trouble and strife for others? This story seems to illustrate that age makes little difference in the choice to use our knowledge for good or bad. The lesson then must be that we should choose wisely to what end our acquired knowledge and skills should be used.