Thursday, April 26, 2012

Dragons Can Be Killed

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” 
― G.K. Chesterton

Fairy tales have a very special place in my heart. Of course, like most little girls, I loved to dress up and pretend I was a princess, or a fairy, or just a girl having an adventure. But they meant so much more than dazzling dresses and beautiful balls. They give children a lens to see the world through, a way to comprehend this world that oftentimes makes no sense. They also show us what our imaginations can create, what our minds can do.

Fairy tales are what made me become a writer. I often feel that my games of make believe just kept growing and developing into their own particular worlds, and I'm just along for the ride. If books don't make me feel the same thing, like I'm just wandering around in their world, then I lose interest.

I would also love someday, if I end up being a teacher, teaching a class about the original fairy tales vs. the Disney movies, and how the surrounding culture shaped both. It'd be intellectually stimulating, AND be an excuse to watch Disney movies!