Fairy tales have been a source of fascination and delight for generations of readers and, most importantly, for young and very young listeners. These stories, filled with magic, wonder, and adventure, have the power to transport us to and show us new perspectives of life regardless of our age. One of the most ardent advocates for the value of fairy tales was South African scholar, J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Hobbit." In his essay "On Fairy-Stories," Tolkien discusses the elements that make up the good structure for a fairy tale. This reflective journaling piece of writing will delve into the different aspects of fairy tales that Tolkien identifies, providing a deeper understanding of why these stories continue to captivate and inspire us and why they need to be used in literary criticism class debates and analyses.

Stage 1: Fantasy

At the heart of a wholesome fairy tale, according to Tolkien, is the creation of a secondary world that is distinct from the listener or reader. At its lowest ebb, this magical world in a fairy tale should have its own rules, creatures, and wonders, allowing readers as well as listeners to escape from the mundane and experience something new and extraordinary beyond the boundaries of what humans live in. Tolkien called this aspect of fairy tales "fantasy," and he believed that it was essential for creating a sense of wonder and amazement in the reader or the listener.

In order to achieve this, the world of the fairy tale must be consistent and coherent. The first real twinge of fantasy is to comprehend that while a fairy tale may contain elements that are fantastical and impossible in our world, these elements should be grounded in a logic and structure that makes sense within the context and plot of the story. This allows listeners and readers to suspend their disbelief and fully immerse themselves in the world of the tale, which differs from the physical world we humans live in.

In addition to its own unabating rules and logic, the fantasy world of the fairy tale should also be populated with unique and memorable characters. These characters that can assail or protect the protagonist may be human, animal, or something entirely different, but they should be well-defined and memorable, with their own motivations, desires, rules, and flaws. By creating a rich and vivid world filled with engaging characters, fairy tales can transport readers and listeners to a place that feels real and alive, even if it is entirely fantastical.

At the brink of this fantasy world, the literary criticism professor can make good use of fairy tales to work at various levels of analysis. Keeping in mind the different types of literary approaches, students can delve into the diverse information provided by the core structure of the fairy tale. The richness of “hidden messages” can be explored to enrich class discussions or term papers.

Stage 2: Recovery

An important element of fairy tales, according to Tolkien, is "recovery." This term refers to the ability of fairy tales to help us see the familiar world in a new and fresh way. “Recovery (which includes return and renewal of health) is a re-gaining-regaining of a clear view” (Tolkien, 1947). By presenting us with a world that is different from our own, listeners and readers can free themselves from the spot where they are being gagged by reality; fairy tales can perfectly help us appreciate the beauty and wonder of our own world in a new light.

This stage of recovery is achieved through the use of contrast. By presenting us with a world that is different from our own, fairy tales can highlight the unique aspects of our own world. From the unpleasant miasma of the night to the brightness of fairies, fairy tales can help us see the beauty in the everyday and remind us of the magic that exists all around us, even in the most mundane of situations, something that is commonly appreciated by children more than adults. Tolkien (1947) emphasizes the fact that we don’t start “seeing things as they are”, but he ventures to say, “seeing things as we are (or were) meant to see them”-as things are apart from ourselves.”

In addition, recovery can also refer to the personal growth and development that can occur as a result of reading fairy tales. By presenting us with characters who face challenges and overcome obstacles, fairy tales can inspire us to be our best selves. They can help us see that we too have the power to overcome our own challenges and obstacles, and that we too can grow and change as a result. Though we can face a “ravenous wolf” in our lives, we readers can find ways to counterattack this “animal” and move away from unpropitious situations that -metaphorically speaking- we believe we are still under the yoke of adversity.

Though people may consider fairy tales tell-tale, the fact is that they are rich stories for the literary criticism classroom. The seven lean and ugly cows that come up after the plump and attractive ones can be seen and understood from a different point of view if literature students can analyze fairy tales from a wide angle of comprehension of recovery. Students may even explore their own beliefs and live tangible, authentic, and first-had experiences from the fantasy world of fairy tales by understanding that all humans face obstacles and challenges that need to be overcome.

As our own conceptions pass the throng of new ideas brought by the stage of recovery, the literary criticism educator can help learners see that literary analyses are not meant to be stark and rigid. Through the exploration of the various motifs found in fairy tales, we can delve into the life of humans who must deal with sibling rivalry, personal quests for self-discovery, deception, rescue and escape, etc. There are so many nuanced literary challenges that can be given to students to approach fairy tales from very different literary approaches and discover what is hidden in their co-text.

Stage 3: Escape

Tolkien also saw "escape" as a valuable aspect of fairy tales. He believed that these stories provide a much-needed respite from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, offering a chance to experience different worlds and situations (Tolkien, 1947). Despite the nuanced challenges in the analysis of fairy tales, they allow us to escape from our own lives, even if only for a short time; fairy tales can help us recharge and renew our spirits. As mentioned by Tolkien (1947), “It is part of the essential malady of such days—producing the desire to escape, not indeed from life, but from our present time and self-made misery—that we are acutely conscious both of the ugliness of our works, and of their evil.” For this reason, fairy tales do provide people, and especially children, an escape from our current circumstances.

This is especially important in today's fast-paced, constantly connected world. With the constant barrage of news, social media, and other distractions, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Fairy tales provide a much-needed break from this, allowing us to unplug and recharge. As commented by Tolkien (1947), “The fear of the beautiful fay that ran through the elder ages almost eludes our grasp. Even more alarming: goodness is itself bereft of its proper beauty.” In conclusion, aren’t fairy tales a way to find an escape from a present reality and live another momentarily when one identifies with a heroine or hero?

In addition, escape can also refer to the ability of fairy tales to transport us to new and exciting worlds. By presenting us with worlds that are different from our own, fairy tales can broaden our horizons and help us see the world in a new way. They can help us appreciate the diversity and variety of the world around us and remind us that there is always something new and exciting to discover. And when taken into the literature class, the instructors can continue to help students scrutinize what those escape avenues are that have helped others to “cast out demons and even raise the dead to life again” as a phoenix. Fairy tales do have lots of layers of meaning that can be examined depending on the approach being used. 

Stage 4: Consolation

Good fairy tales, according to Tolkien, provide a sense of consolation. The endings of fairy tales bear witness to a consolation stage where “they offer a kind of satisfaction and consolation” (Tolkien, 1947). They offer hope and a sense that things can be made right in the end. This is often achieved through elements of redemption and closure, where characters are able to overcome their flaws and make amends for their mistakes or wrongdoings. For readers and listeners to this stories, the ending’s bells ring a full peal letting us know that somehow our heroine or hero has made us participate in the satisfaction of humans’ ancient desires.

This sense of consolation is important for both children and adults. For children, fairy tales can help them make sense of the world and understand the concept of justice. They can help them see that there is a moral order to the world, and that good will ultimately triumph over evil. As expressed by (Tolkien, 1947) “the “consolation” of fairy-tales has another aspect than the imaginative satisfaction of ancient desires. Far more important is the Consolation of the Happy Ending. Almost I would venture to assert that all complete fairy-stories must have it.” 

For adults studying literary criticism, fairy tales can provide an example of a sense of comfort and solace in times of stress and uncertainty that are commonly enjoyed by children. These tales can remind us that there is always hope, and that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always the possibility for change and growth for the heroine, the hero, or the reader or listener. The consolation of fairy tales, in Tolkien’s (1947) words is “the joy of a happy ending” which is not found in other types of literary works. For the literary criticism students, “it is not only a “consolation” for the sorrow of this world, but a satisfaction, and an answer to that question, “Is it true?” Well, quoting Tolkien (1947) once more, “If you have built your little world well, yes: it is true in that world.”

Stage 5: Fear

While fairy tales are often associated with light-hearted fun, Tolkien believed that fear was an important element in these stories. As pointed out by Vande Velde (n.d.), “Fantasies based on the fairy tales are extremely important part of the children’s lives, and this is not only because they describe threatening situations that resemble main fears of a young child such as the fear of getting lost, fear of wrong decisions, fear of monsters or evil animals.” The presence of danger and the possibility of failure make the eventual triumph all the more satisfying. By confronting our fears in a safe and controlled environment, fairy tales can help listeners and readers (especially young children) become more resilient and better equipped to face the challenges of the real world.

The overcoming of this “irrational” fear is achieved through the use of suspense and tension in the fairy tale. By creating a sense of danger and uncertainty, fairy tales can keep readers on the edge of their seats while listening to them or reading them on their own. They can make our hearts race and our palms sweat, even as we know that everything will ultimately turn out okay. And to make matters much better, “Happy endings, which are always present in fairy tales, give children the confidence that despite all their fears they will be able to win in the end” (Vande Velde, n.d.).

In addition, fear can also serve as a teaching tool, something that can be exploited by the literary criticism students who may also be in the teaching business with young, very young, and teen learners. By presenting readers as well as listeners with the consequences of our actions, fairy tales can help us all learn to make better choices in common and recurrent life situations. Fairy tales can help us see the importance of being brave, of standing up for what is right, and of facing our fears head-on, something that can be exploited again by the literary criticism professor to delve into the far ends of meaning within a story. According to Bettelheim (1973), fairy tales allow people to deal with fears in a symbolic way. In order for a story to hold a [reader or listener]’s attention it must “help him to develop his intellect and to clarify his emotions” (263), something the literary criticism students can help students achieve.

Stage 6: Wonder

The sphere of fairy tales should inspire and expand a sense of wonder and amazement in the reader or the listener regardless of their age. These types of stories cannot be devoid of either unexpected twists and turns or magical elements. There is always dazzlement in the eyes of the person interacting with the stories’ plot because of their extraordinary events. By presenting us with the unexpected and the extraordinary, fairy tales can help us see the world in a new and exciting way.

Wonder is achieved through the use of imagination and creativity. Fairy tales maintain the “empire” of wonder by stretching forth their unique and memorable images, from talking animals and enchanted forests, to magical objects and mysterious beings. Such a way to build a story is fated to endure time and to help especially children admire the world before them unconventionally. Fairy tales should challenge our preconceptions and make us readers and listeners see the world in a new light where things are possible.

In addition, wonder can also refer to the sense of awe and reverence that fairy tales can inspire. By presenting literary criticism students with worlds that are larger than life, fairy tales can help the see and explore the beauty and wonder of the world around us. They can remind us of the power of nature, the majesty of the stars, and the mystery of the unknown. As if we all were playfellows, we educators and students can be playing with the plot elements in a fairy tale from Prime to Compline rummaging its out of site meanings hidden in the lurking place of little but important details.

Stage 7: Morality

While not necessarily didactic, fairy tales often contain moral lessons. Morality is not meant to be enshrined in the plot of a fairy story, but they can explore themes of good and evil, justice and injustice, courage and cowardice, and so on. By presenting us with moral dilemmas and the consequences of our actions, fairy tales can help readers and listeners develop a stronger sense of right and wrong. The sphere of ethical concern can or cannot necessarily be present in the plot of tale; however, listeners and readers of fairy tales will not be devoid of either moral explorations of wrongdoing or the scrutinization of why heroes, heroines, villains, and antiheroes do or have done what the story tell us about.

Along the lofty wall of morality imposed at times in fairy tales, morals are usually achieved through the use of characters and their actions. Morality is a glass of a thousand hues, and by presenting readers and listeners with characters who make good and bad choices, fairy tales can help us see the importance of making the right choices. Tales can help us young and very young readers or listeners understand the consequences of people’s actions, and the impact they can have on those around us.

In addition, it can be ascertained that the effect of morality can also refer to the sense of justice and fairness that fairy tales often explore. At this juncture, fairy tales are supposed to be endowed with situations where justice is served; they can help literary criticism students see the importance of fairness and justice and how it is seen by characters and how those exposed to the storytelling of them are affected. Moving to the next level of meaning exploration of fairy tales, literature students can help these stories understand the value of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity in the eyes of the narrator.

Stage 8: Mythopoeia

Tolkien coined the term "mythopoeia" to describe the creation of new myths. It is “a philosophical concept referring to the process of artificially creating mythologies and belief systems of imaginary worlds” (Stojanovic, 2021). Tolkien believed that fairy tales are a form of myth-making device, and that they can help us understand our own world and our place in it. By presenting us with stories that resonate with our deepest desires and fears, fairy tales can help us make sense of our own lives and the world around us.

Mythopoeia is achieved through the use of archetypes and symbols. Fairy tales are filled with symbols and archetypes that resonate with our collective unconscious. They tap into the deepest parts of our psyche and help us understand our own desires and fears. When taken into a literary criticism context where students have to dig into the depths of the tales’ meanings, a plethora of options to continue to “quarry” their hidden meanings can surface.

Moving on to the next level of literary criticism proficiency, mythopoeia can be used to continue exploring fairy tales. Mythopoeia also refers to the sense of timelessness that fairy tales often possess. These stories have never been “effaced” from the collective memory of the peoples on Earth. In other words, by presenting readers of, students of, or listeners to these stories that have been passed down through the generations, fairy tales can help us see the continuity of human experience in a much wider span of time. These tales can remind us that we humans are part of a long and rich tradition, and that our lives are connected to those who have come before us and those who will come after us.

A Fast Conclusion

Though some critics of literature may deem impossible that fairy tales have the power to inspire, to console, and to transform, many other literary critics, like Tolkien in his time, do believe it is feasible. By presenting us with a world that is both familiar and strange, these stories can help kindle our curiosity to see the world in a new, fresh way. Whether we are young or old, just a reader, listener, or literature student, fairy tales have the ability to captivate our imaginations and transport us to new and exciting worlds. By embracing the magic and wonder of fairy tales, we can enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us without really being exposed to the ordeals heroes and heroines are to face.

Through the lens of J.R.R. Tolk, we have seen that fairy tales are not just simple stories, but rather, they are a complex and rich form of literature that can offer much more than just entertainment. They can provide a sense of escape, recovery, consolation, fear, wonder, morality, and mythopoeia. By exploring these elements in detail, we have gained a deeper understanding of why fairy tales continue to captivate and inspire generations of readers. Though these stories are not ancient representations in sulfur and plaster, they’ve never been shelved to be forgotten but to be retold many times to convey hidden messages as claimed by Bruno Bettelheim (1973).

In conclusion, fairy tales are a valuable and important form of literature that should not be overlooked or dismissed but analyzed in literary criticism courses or contexts. These stories offer a unique and powerful way of exploring human experience, and can provide us with a sense of wonder, magic, and inspiration that is sorely needed in today's world. By embracing the magic of fairy tales, we can open ourselves up to a world of possibility and discover the richness and depth that these stories have to offer.