We'd love to hear from you. Click here to send us a text.

Join hosts Karen Foglesong and Erin Branham as we discuss the enduring significance of fairy tales. We explore how fairy tales differ from myths, and delve into their dream-like quality and non-linear narrative. As always, we take a Jungian look, especially through the work of Maria von Franz who emphasized fairy tales as a path of individuation, representing archetypes and the unconscious. The conversation examines Beauty and the Beast as an allegory for individuation. We also take a look at the evolving nature of fairy tales, from traditional stories to modern adaptations that remix and reverse traditional roles. Finally, we explore how much change has occurred by contrasting Snow White and Moana, and remind our listeners to revisit powerful stories from their childhood.

SHOW NOTES

The Interpretation of Fairy Tales by Maria von Franz - Dr. von Franz begins with a history of the study of fairy tales and the various theories of interpretation. By way of illustration, she presents a detailed examination of a simple Grimm’s tale, The Three Feathers, followed by a comprehensive discussion of motifs related to Jung’s concept of the shadow, the anima, and the animus.

How to be Eaten by Maria Adelmann - This darkly funny and provocative novel reimagines classic fairy tale characters as modern women in a support group for trauma.

Stories Podcast

We want to hear from you! Please rate and review us wherever you find this podcast. Join our Patreon: patreon.com/yourmythicu

We'd love to hear from you. Click here to send us a text.

Join us as we take a look at the mythic metaphorical goodness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We discuss the hoped for, then canceled, Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, directed by Chloe Zhao. After our disappointment of that terrible news we take a look at the original Buffy series' cultural impact, including its influence on other series and creators. The conversation also explores the thematic depth of the original series, focusing on Buffy's journey from a reluctant hero to a mature adult, her relationships, and the symbolic significance of her battles. We touch on the show's exploration of adulthood, intimacy, and the struggle with societal expectations, emphasizing its enduring relevance and influence and taking a look at the feminist and inclusive themes of Buffy. Buffy's journey is a metaphor for autonomy and breaking societal norms, and Buffy's impact on female empowerment and the struggle against patriarchal structures means its mythic themes continue to resonate today.

SHOW NOTES

Why was the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot “new Sunnydale” canceled? - NME article

How Buffy the Vampire Slayer Redefined TV Storytelling - The Atlantic

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Myth, Metaphor, and Morality - book by Mark Fields

Passion of the Nerd Season One Analysis of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - search his playlists for subsequent seasons

We want to hear from you! Please rate and review us wherever you find this podcast. Join our Patreon: patreon.com/yourmythicu

We'd love to hear from you. Click here to send us a text.

Join us as we explore the ethical dilemma of enjoying art created by people who have done bad things. We discuss the tension we experienced after we had recorded an episode on The Sandman by Neil Gaiman and then discovering serious allegations about Gaiman from several women. The conversation delves into the concept of the "great artist," the impact of social media on artist-audience relationships, and the complexity of separating art from the artist. We reference Claire Dederer's book "Monsters" (highly recommended for those interested in this topic) and the concept of ethical consumption, acknowledging the humanity of artists, and the need for grace in navigating these moral quandaries.

SHOW NOTES

Neil Gaiman's wikipedia page outlines his extensive artistic work as well as the allegations against him, and the legal proceedings that have occurred in relation to them to this date.

Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer

We want to hear from you! Please rate and review us wherever you find this podcast. Join our Patreon: patreon.com/yourmythicu