Princes, Frogs and Ugly Sisters: The Healing Power of the Grimm Brothers' Tales

by Allan G. Hunter

Overview

Analyzing the ways in which the Grimm brothers' tales provide real, vital insights into how to live more happily, understand the need for personal and psychological growth, and find that significant other, this innovative study revives the true healing nature of these beloved tales. Combining enjoyment of these tales with insightful research, this exploration uses actual case histories to show how the odd and bizarre episodes in fairy tales are actually astounding renditions of human behaviors that occur during times of crisis. It also shows how the six archetypal stages of psychological development are present both in these tales and in everyday life. Contrary to common, contemporary fairy tale re-creations, this study discusses how the Grimm brothers’ stories deal with topics such as dysfunctional family dynamics, sexual jealousy, narcissism, incest, rape, and personal growth from trauma to wellness—noting that Cinderella didn’t have a fairy godmother and frogs were never kissed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781844091843
Publisher:	Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Publication date:	08/01/2010
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Dr. Allan G. Hunter received his doctorate in literature from Oxford University, which led him to study the deep correspondences between mental disturbance and literary expression. He is a counselor, a therapist, and a professor of literature at Curry College in Boston, where he also teaches memoir writing for the Blue Hills Writing Institute. He is the author of several books, including Spiritual Hunger, Gratitude and Beyond, The Six Archetypes of Love, Stories We Need to Know, The Path of Synchronicity, Write Your Memoir, and Princes, Frogs & Ugly Sisters. He lives in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Why we need fairy tales. The question of archetypes. All tales are stolen property.
Chapter 2 ‘The Frog-King’; Sex, Coercion, and personal integrity.
Chapter 3 ‘Faithful John’; Renegotiating the relationship with the father; the moderation of pride.
Chapter 4 ‘Brother and Sister’. Marriage, and the problem of post partum depression.
Chapter 5 The Nature of The Tales: ‘The Three Spinners’, ‘Rapunzel’. The dangers of the possessive parent, and of thwarted young love.
Chapter 6 ‘Cinderella’; Sexual maturation and self-empowerment; the real story.
Chapter 7 The question of good and evil. ‘The Girl Without Hands’, and ‘The Robber Bridegroom’. Two ways of confronting evil.
Chapter 8 Sexual rivalry, Narcissism, and incest; ‘Little Snow-White’ and ‘Allerleirauh’.
Chapter 9 Parental rejection; ‘Hans the Hedgehog’ – and the recovering of personal authenticity.
Chapter 10 ‘The Three Feathers’; The descent into the self.
Chapter 11 ‘The Skillful Huntsman’; Meeting the Shadow; the restraining of sexuality.
Chapter 12 ‘The Two Kings’ Children’; ‘forgetting’ and family coercion.
Chapter 13 Beowulf as a contrast; facing the demons. The three tests. ‘The Golden Bird’.
Chapter 14 ‘The Glass Coffin’: Sexual manipulations, rape - and the way of healing.
Chapter 15 The simpleton and the three-fold test; sleep as a metaphor, Sleeping Beauty and ‘Little Briar-Rose’.
Chapter 16 Closing: The Descent into the Unconscious.
Appendix: The Historical background.

Editorial Reviews

“Once upon a time, an insightful author named Hunter took it upon himself to slay the dragon called “Disney.” In doing so, he brought the magic of truth to the stories we thought we knew like Cinderella and Little Snow-White. With a light heart and the sword of perception, Hunter frees the wisdom from Grimm’s fairy tales. It is these ancient stories that teach us about humanity and reveal ways in which we can live in fullness and fulfillment. Hunter’s journey takes Grimm’s tales and brings them back home to us where they belong.”

—M. Nora Klaver, author of Mayday!: Asking for Help in Times of Need

“The Grimms’ fairy tales are high on the list of stories we need to know, and Allan Hunter’s latest book tells us why: they deal with the crisis issues

of all human life, maturity and survival and the need for self-knowledge. Princes, Frogs and Ugly Sisters steps outside the familiar Hollywood selections, and brings new and respectful insights even to what we thought we knew best. This is a wise book, about wisdom, by an author

who knows people, not just books.”

—Thomas Shippey, author of

The Road to Middle-earth

From the Publisher