Mystical Truths and the Perennial Wisdomhave been hidden in plain view throughout the centuries in the Myths, Sagas and Tales handed down through all peoples in their oral traditions.
In this site we explore some of the most beautiful of these timeless tales and offer some possibilities regarding their interpretation. The myths and sagas are drawn from North (Norse), South (Egyptian) East (Asian) and West (Greek) in particular. The fairy-tales will be primarily taken from the works of Grimm and Italo Calvino.
NEW Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
One New Year’s Day King Arthur and his knights are gathered in the Hall at Camelot, feasting and celebrating. In the midst of the festivities, the door flies open and into the hall rides a huge man upon a huge horse. His face, though fierce, is fair and open, but - wonder of wonders - he is green all over:
Fairy Tales are often much more profound than they at first appear. The meaning behind the apparently fantastical happenings can be explored in a way that enhances the story rather than removing all its magic.
Favourite Tales
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Fair Use
Fair Use
The stories and images on this site are believed to be Creative Commons or out of copyright. If an image (or tale) has been included by mistake please contact the editor and it will be removed.
Interpretation
Interpretation of Myths and Fairy tales is an art rather than a science. There are certain principles to be followed if the spiritual significance of a fairy tale or myth is to be revealed.
Symbols and Motifs
Wisdom Tales are often full of the most wonderful symbology. A symbol has rich layers of meaning from its natural elements (like the Sun) or artificial qualities (like a sword) or the mixture of the two (like the three-headed dog Cerberus). There is no one meaning in a mechanical sense. Indeed, penetrating the significance of a given symbol in the context of a particular tale is one of the joys of interpretation.
Click on the Dictionary of Symbols to see details of specific motifs. This area of the site will be added to over the coming months.
Etymology and meaning
The heroes and heroines of fairy tales are often not named; when they are as in Ashputel or Cinderella, the name itself has significance. 'Cinders' and 'Ash' are the left-overs in a hearth. This tells us what heroine in these related tales has to deal with. In myths, the fact a hero visits Crete (which means stone) or is named Perseus ( Περσευς relates to "destroyer" in Greek, but also suggests "from Zeus") will help with interpretation.
Gods and Heroes
In Greek and Egyptian myths, the named gods represent divine principles. Eros for example, in the myth of Psyche is the Principle of Divine Love. Psyche represents the human Soul. Named heroes, like Herakles or Odysseus, represent either the human Soul or an aspect or stage of the human journey back to its source. The strength of Hercules or the wiliness of Odysseus will be a clue to what aspect is being presented. Understanding whether a character is symbolising a divine, human or natural attribute is a first step in tentative interpretation.
Who's Online
The Editors
- This website is a collective effort by various writers who have a deep interest in the important role of myth, saga, legend and tale as transmitters of the wisdom of the ages. If you have questions or wish to contribute in some way to this forum by all means contact us through this email.
Study Programme
Workshops and talks on Ideal Philosophy and subjects of a spiritual nature are offered by The Fintry Trust.
