The Griffin - Fairytale Analysis

Once, long ago—though where exactly, no one remembers—there was a king. His name is lost to time, but his sorrow is still told: for he had no son, only a daughter, delicate and frail, whose illness no doctor could cure.

One day, an old prophecy reached the palace: “She shall eat herself well—with an apple.”

At once, the king sent word across his entire kingdom: “Whoever brings my daughter an apple that restores her health shall wed her—and inherit my crown.”

Far from the palace, in a humble cottage, a peasant heard the king’s call. He turned to his three sons and spoke: “Take our finest apples—the ones with skins red as rubies—and bring them to the court. Perhaps they hold the cure. And if they do… you shall be king.”

The eldest son, Ule, set out at once, basket in hand. But he had not gone far before he met a strange figure on the road: a small, gray-haired man, his eyes sharp beneath his tattered cloak.

“What do you carry in that basket?” the man asked softly.

Ule hesitated. And then he lied. “Frogs’ legs,” he answered.

The little man smiled faintly. “Well,” he said, “so shall it be—and so it shall remain.” And with that, he vanished.

When Ule reached the palace and unveiled his basket before the king…

—it was not apples inside.

Marie-Louise von Franz and Fairy Tales
According to the work of Carl Jung and his collaborator, Marie-Louise von Franz, fairy tales are not just simple children’s stories but symbolic representations of the human psyche. For von Franz, fairy tales are the purest and simplest expression of collective unconscious material. They are the most straightforward way in which the psyche tells its own story.

Unlike myths, which often involve gods and cultural heroes, fairy tales involve ordinary characters who face extraordinary circumstances, rendering them relatable and accessible to the everyday person.

In fairytales, von Franz saw the blueprints of our psychological development, demonstrating how individuals might deal with the various forces that might shape their lives. In her work, she highlighted the transformative potential of fairy tales—how characters move from chaos to order, from confusion to clarity, and from ignorance to wisdom. In this sense, fairy tales serve as guides for personal transformation.

Fairytale Sessions
For each session, a particular fairytale is selected and read. The story is explored and then analysed. Generally, participants will find that they can relate to the fairytale’s themes, often surprisingly so.

In this way, and much like dream work, the fairytale serves to illuminate. Their timeless narratives speak to the core of our being.

About the Group
Join our group for enlightening sessions on delving into Jungian archetypes, mythic themes, fairytale interpretation, dream work, and psychodynamic astrology.

We will draw from the wisdom of archaic philosophy and the modern psychology of Carl Jung in order to explore the depths of the psyche and the intricate connections between the collective unconscious and personal development.

This group aims to blend the realms of psychology, spirituality, and philosophy, offering a unique perspective on the mysteries of the mind and the power of archetypes in shaping our realities.

Whether you are new to depth psychology, a student, or a seasoned practitioner, this gathering promises to spark intellectual discussions and foster a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of the self and the cosmos.
Sessions are both theoretical and experiential.

Embrace the journey of consciousness and join us for an afternoon of insight, reflection, and connection with like-minded individuals dedicated to their soul's journey and the pathways for self-discovery.

Cost: $25
Hosted by The School of Human Potential.

Newtown Station Esplanade, Newtown, Sydney.

For additional classes and information visit www.HumanPotential.School