In the process of a little research I am doing for a secret project that's coming soon, (Yes, I started project number two in before I finished proj.#1, and I'm making my team nervous)
I found this quote. I've never given it much thought on the reason why I love fairytales, just that they have always appealed to me. It certainly wasn't because I thought they would make me smarter! I felt guilty of my attraction to them, that I may appear childish and silly. And when I got older I wanted to read them still in a big girl book.
Fairytles of old had many purposes. In the hands of a cold, harsh world, they were used to teach. Parables of the Bible, cultural legends, fables, and myths, etc down the line. On the darker side, they were used to put fear in the heart of a wayward child - and children believed them. Don't scoff! Many people tease their children today with Santa Claus.
"If you don't do such-and-such this or that will happen," Which could be anything from a goblin eating you to no presents from Ol' Santa.
But a fairytale also was used to teach consequences in a good way. Morals and life lessons in a relatable story. The results and reward of being a thoughtful child, caring for others, and being dutiful. Stories where the oldest son traditionally awarded a place in the world without merit versus the youngest child who had to work for his honor; hence winning the heart of the princess with his wisdom and prudence.
The positive message was a differentiation between right and wrong, alas often told in gruesome explicitly not suited for us today. We've become soft and cushy. Who wants to know the gory details of how the ugly stepsisters went so far as to cut off their heels and toes in order to fit in the glass slipper! No, but we're pretty comfortable watching aliens lop heads off right and left... well, some of us aren't, still. Sadly, we've settled, for the most part, for a toned-down, gray moral, brat cultivating version of those old stories in the medium of cartoons.
Too bad! With intelligence, not ignorant superstition, there's value to the fairy tale, Einstein said so too. The moral at the end of the story, consequences, sowing and reaping: principles for a healthy lifestyle, regardless of your inclinations.
And that's why I love fairytales. The distinct knowing who the bad guy is. The hero is appropriately swoon worthy and a perfect gentleman. There's a battle between right and wrong, usually with a cool sword. The princess will be saved, and she's wearing a beautiful dress in the bargain. In my fantasies there are castles, and a rich world filled with my favorite things. Sounds trite and predictable? Probably but there's a sense of comfort in knowing it all works out in the end, when everyone does what they're supposed to do, they get their just deserts and proper reward.
Happily Ever After appeals to me, I'm just that boring.