Shadow and Evil in Fairy Tales

A renowned psychologist examines fairy tales through a Jungian lens, revealing what they can teach us about the darkest sides of human behavior<br><br>Fairy tales seem to be innocent stories, yet they contain profound lessons for those who would dive deep into their waters of meaning. In this book, Marie-Louise von Franz uncovers some of the important lessons concealed in tales from around the world, drawing on the wealth of her knowledge of folklore, her experience as a psychoanalyst and a collaborator with Jung, and her great personal wisdom. Among the many topics discussed in relation to the dark side of life and human psychology, both individual and collective, are:<br><br>How different aspects of the "shadow"-all the affects and attitudes that are unconscious to the ego personality-are personified in the giants and monsters, ghosts, and demons, evil kings, and wicked witches of fairy tales<br>How problems of the shadow manifest differently in men and women<br>What fairy tales say about the kinds of behavior and attitudes that invite evil<br>How Jung's technique of Active imagination can be used to overcome overwhelming negative emotions<br>How ghost stories and superstitions reflect the psychology of grieving<br>What fairy tales advise us about whether to struggle against evil or turn the other cheek<br><br>Dr. von Franz concludes that every rule of behavior that we can learn from the unconscious through fairy tales and dreams is usually a paradox: sometimes there must be a physical struggle against evil and sometimes a contest of wits, sometimes a display of strength or magic and sometimes a retreat. Above all, she shows the importance of relying on the central, authentic core of our being-the innermost Self, which is beyond the struggle between the opposites of good and evil.