Module Five: The Fairy Tale Heroine's Journey - The Return

Introduction

• Focus on the third phase of the Fairy Tale Heroine's Journey: The Return.
• Aim to integrate fairy tale themes into personal life stories.
• Examination of personal transformation and self-discovery.

The Concept of Return

• Return can be challenging, often misunderstood or mishandled.
• Key Questions:
  • What are you returning to?
  • What self is returning?
  • What has the journey taught you?
• Return is not an ending but a commitment, choice, and effort.
• The journey can be applied to a whole lifespan or individual life segments.

Midlife Transition and the Return

• Midlife marks the beginning of the return phase.
• It involves a shift from outward growth to inward reflection.
• Midlife Transition:
  • Often involves questioning and transformation.
  • It's a period of awakening and self-discovery.

Fairy Tale Context of Return

• Fairy tales provide various narratives of return:
  • Returning home with a gift (e.g., Mother Holle story).
  • Going to a new home or life phase.
  • Lessons learned and gifts earned.
  • Return can represent a return to one’s true self.

Key Themes in Fairy Tales

• Awakening and Recognition:
  • The heroine is often recognized for her true self before the story ends.
  • Examples include Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Cinderella.

Return to Self: Individualization and Midlife

• Individuation begins in midlife, a return to self and personal wholeness.
• Home is a metaphor for returning to self or a specific place.
• Midlife Awakening:
  • Involves shifts in life satisfaction, purpose, and values.
  • Often a period of turmoil followed by stability.

Story Illustrations

• The Fox Woman: Illustrates leaving the old life and finding a true self.
• The Selkie/Wolf/Swan Maiden tales: Highlight the need to reclaim a lost part of the self.
• The Handless Maiden: Represents the journey of growing back one's own identity.

The Role of Fairy Tales in Midlife

• Fairy tales support the process of individualization and self-discovery.
• They highlight the necessity of change and internal growth.

The Second Half of Life

• Midlife is the gateway to elderhood, a time for deeper spiritual and personal growth.
• Wisdom from fairy tales can guide and inspire through this transition.

The Wider World and Connection

• Return also includes re-establishing connection with the world and nature.
• Emphasis on belongingness to Earth and community.
• Fairy tales encourage a balanced integration of both personal and communal wellbeing.

Discussion and Reflection

• Key Questions for Reflection:
  • What does the return mean to you personally?
  • How do you relate to the concepts of self-return and world-return?
  • How does the journey model apply to your life stages?

Conclusion

• The journey of return is a personal one, offering guidance and insight.
• Encouragement to explore personal narrative through the lens of fairy tale archetypes.
• Upcoming modules will explore additional ways fairy tales illuminate life.