Fairy Tales as moral guide
I'm not sure if this topic has been done before, but I wanted to try it anyway.
Often, I find myself saddened and mystified by the other humans around me and the manner in which they conduct themselves (note: I am not implying that my way is superior, simply that it is different).
When I was young (and ever after) I mined the local libraries for every book of tales and legends they could give me. Where others saw wizards, knights, kings and princesses, I saw clear instructions and rules of behavior. Those who were wicked and greedy often became their own downfall. Those who showed mercy were returned the favor later on. Few things were as they seemed, and one had to rely on one's wits to get out alive.
Most importantly for me, the tales of the Simple folk stood out. These folk, though called "Stupid Hans", "Simple Greta", or even "Lumpling" had greatness within them.
Through their kind and compassionate natures, kingdoms were saved, curses broken, and wonders preformed. These tales are all about seeing clearly, caring for people beyond one's self, and overcoming great challenges. Surely these are things most people would desire to see around them? Yet, when I ask my friends if they have heard or read these tales, the reply is always "NO".
My confusion lies here. Much is made of teaching "Morals" and "Values" to children these days, and yet there seems to be no desire to use these ancient tales to do so.
Do you have any favorite stories, and if so, what have you learned from them?
Have you ever been to the website Enchanted Conversation: A Fairytale Magazine? They just accepted, and will soon be publishing, a fairy tale called 'The Candlestick Kid'. I think it's a pretty good tale about saving people from evil. (You can probably guess by now why I think it's a good story, right?) Heh, heh. ![]()
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No, I haven't heard of that site before. I will look it up though, sounds fun!
I remember that short fairy tale about two wolves and a sheep
it was one of the most important fairy tales, if not the most important fairy tale in my life
here, let me share it with you
so the sheep went into the forest and got lost
two wolfs attacked it
the sheep screamed "what gave you the right?"
and the wolf answered "you're weak, you're tasty, and you're in the forest"
THE END
A lot of the old fairy tales had really bad morals, though I can't think of any at the time.
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Cinnamon and sugary
Softly Spoken lies
You never know just how you look
Through other people's eyes
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