Fairy tales are more than true - not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Fairy tales are true not because dragons are real, but because they teach that evil can be overcome. They provide hope through narrative.
- In plain terms
- Fairy tales teach us that monsters can be defeated.
- What can you take from it?
- Stories give courage by showing evil can be defeated.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we need stories where dragons are beaten?
- What monsters face you today?
Another view
Not all evils can be beaten, and this view may oversimplify.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.
Permalink to quote #184 'Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.'
Permalink to quote #186 Men that are men again: Who goes home? Tocsin and trumpeter! Who goes home? For there's blood on the grass and blood on the foam, And blood on the body, when M…
Permalink to quote #183
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