Learning about Ourselves through Fairy Tales: Their Psychological Value

Fairy tales, as well as myths, can be viewed as allegories or dramatic representations of complex psychological processes usually those of transformation and growth. They are marvelous vehicles for gaining insights and learning about ourselves and our basic human tendencies. As allegories, myths and fairy tales carry valuable statements in symbolic form about human nature. Stories can be analyzed in a practical way as a means of developing useful tools that may aid us in reflecting upon things that we observe and do in our daily lives. Several fairy tales are presented to illustrate their allegorical value in understanding human mental processes and to offer solutions to human issues, ultimately leading to transformation and more fulfilling lives.