The Psychology of Fairy Tales

“… we interpret for the same reason as that for which fairy tales and myths were told: because it has a vivifying effect and this gives a satisfactory reaction and brings one into peace with one’s unconscious instinctive substratum, just as the telling for fairy tales always did”.  The Interpretation of Fairy Tales, Marie Louise von Franz 

The online fairy tale group continues with “The Handless Maiden”.  We will use theory, amplification of figures, motifs and symbols as well as discussion to explore and discover the messages that are hidden within this powerful story to uncover its wisdom.

The story begins with a ‘daughter’ on the cusp of maturity who is betrayed and suffers a brutal wounding inflicted by her ‘father’.  We will give attention to the characters in the story remembering that they do not depict humans but represent archetypes so we will look at what they mean psychologically.

The maiden is tested in encounters with the devil and must undertake her own journey to healing and independence.  

We don’t know for sure whether a fairy tale should be interpreted as an expression of the male or female psychic structure.  It is helpful to consider that the essential archetypal images within the tale reflect psychic components or structures common to all human beings.  

There are two options to participate:

• Thursdays: 25^th September, 9^th and 23^rd October 2025 – 4.00pm to 6.00pm

• Saturdays:  27^th September, 11^th and 25^th October 2025 – 10.00am to 12.00pm

The fee for the 3 sessions is £90.00