Today, many children do not grow up amongst close relatives, or within a secure “village” community. Churches, sporting groups, childcare connections, and various extracurricular activities offer this sense of community which was once the realm of extended family and neighbors. Ultimately, many children will go out into the world all alone to college and/or careers seeking to make a life for themselves. Whether good or bad, being independent is a large part of the western world today.
Fairytales often portray a hero or heroine that feels isolated and more connected to the natural world than the world of adults which surrounds them. The hero or heroine in the story often finds help along the way as help is needed. This gives a child the sense of a benevolent universe.
A child needs to feel safe in order to take the risks necessary in life to grow away from dependency. When negotiating this path, many children feel fearful and alone, groping in the dark, confused about the world around them. However, they can not communicate these feelings very well. Success in life, and in a story, is when the main character is able to move from isolation and confusion into a rewarding relationship with the world surrounding them.
The goal for children today is to be able to achieve a satisfying interdependent existence with the world and people around them. A child moves from dependence, to independence, to interdependence. Healthy interdependence, along with the sense of a benevolent universe, is the path to joy and peace. The independent western world is longing to grow away from cultural isolation and toward benevolent interdependence. Developing new fairytales for children in today’s world which portray healthy interdependent relationships can help both children and society find peace and joy.
Legends and Fairytales 