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Moreover, the story warns against the idea that one can be fixed or "rescued" by superficial beauty or privilege alone. Instead, genuine worth comes from inner character—something that only hardship can reveal and refine.
Broader Reflections on Fairy Tales and Society
The storytelling approach in these older tales underscores a vital point: stories serve as moral guides. The original Grim fairy tales were not just entertainment but moral lessons passed across generations. Their brutal elements were deliberate, meant to instill discipline and wisdom.