Last night, my 6-year-old niece asked me to read her a bedtime story.
Throughout my childhood, there was not a single night I went to sleep before a fairy tale from my mother. As I grew up a bit, my earliest memories as a reader still filled with Snow White, Hansel, and Gretel, or the three little pigs. Up until secondary school, the mysteries and magic, as well as the possibility and moral lessons they show never failed to amaze me.
And just like every other kid, those stories lost their sparks when I became an adult. At some points, the tales I used to love become unrealistic, inappropriate, and even cheesy. They stayed in my memories, and I thought I’d never come back to them again.
When my little niece said she wanted to be courageous and kind like Cinderella, I realized fairy tales aren’t meant to explain how the real world works. They offer valuable lessons like being good even when no one else is because it is worth it in the end. They remind us that even in our darkest moments, hope, love, and kindness still exist.
That’s when I knew, as adults, that we still need fairy tales in our lives.
With that being said, here are 5 quotes about fairy tales to help you be motivated and get through whatever hardship you are facing.
Table of Contents
Quotes About Fairy Tales – “To Die Would Be An Awfully Big Adventure”
In Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up finds himself lingering on Marooner’s Rock, where traitors and enemies are exiled to meet a slow death. As he drowns slowly with the approaching tide, Peter Pan utters to a moonlight lagoon: ‘To die would be an awfully big adventure’.
This is the most misquoted line in the entire book. On many sites, you can find it being changed to ‘To live would be an awfully big adventure’. Perhaps people just try to give it a more positive meaning, but I believe the original quote is already inspiring in its own rights.
Aside from displaying Peter Pan’s bravery and his ability to make the best out of all situations, the quote shows death from the perspective of a child. It is much more comfortable thinking of death as a “big adventure” instead of a quiet murmur, like we adults often see. Tell me, how much attractiveness and how long do you enjoy this book daily?
“But It Is Not Enough Merely To Exist, I Need Freedom, Sunshine, And A Little Flower For A Companion”
This quote comes from Andersen’s fairy tale “The Butterfly”. Since the 19th century, the Danish author had pointed out the difference between existing and living. Though having a shelter and a stove to survive the cold winter, the butterfly decides that he doesn’t want to stay this way.
We have jobs, chores, and many things that keep us getting through the day, but most of the time we still feel like something is missing. We couldn’t enjoy life to the fullest. Andersen’s quote implies that only when you have the freedom to pursue what you like with people who can accompany you, that’s when you are truly alive.
“Imperfections We All Have, But We Also Have Compensations”
Perhaps you’ve realized this line from “The Teapot”. Despite having a cracked lid, the teapot is still proud of itself. It was proud of being porcelain, proud of its long spout, and proud of its broad handle. The teapot is well aware that it might not have a perfect lid, but it still has many things to offer.
Dealing with our flaws is not always easy. Most of the time, we pay more attention to what we lack and forget about what we have. However, all of us are not perfect – that’s what makes us humans. Without those imperfections, the essence of who you are would be gone because you are the combination of both your strengths and weaknesses.
Embracing flaws is the best form of self-care. It will take a lot of effort and courage to do that, but you can start by seeing your own worth, just like the teapot does.
Quotes About Fairy Tales – “Who In The World Am I? Ah, That’s A Great Puzzle!”
In the second chapter of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice In Wonderland”, Alice asks herself this question. As a kid, I used to think that the question referred to her change in size. Now, as I re-read the book, Carroll’s implication suddenly becomes clear: Since Wonderland is the byproduct of Alice’s fantasy, she is not only struggling to understand the place and its bizarre creatures, but also her own identity.
You see, sometimes only an older mind can fully grasp the meaning behind a children’s story.
This is one of my favorite quotes about fairy tales. Through the idea of “great puzzle”, the author further indicates his notion that each human being is full of mysteries, even when we are not aware of that. Finding yourself can be a long journey, so just take your time. When you sort out your own feelings, you will understand your purpose and direction.
“The World Seems Full Of Good Men, Even If There Are Monsters In It”
While my fellas glue their eyes reading Tokyo Revengers, I’m still in love with Dracula. Talk about fairy tales that aren’t for kids, this quote appears in chapter XVII of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It expresses Mina’s opinion of Seward. Previously, her friend had died due to an evil force (Dracula), so instinctively, it is easy for Mina to believe that everything is against her and everyone is wicked. Seward proves himself to be a gentle soul and helps Mina realize good people still exist by staying with her until she finished the journal. That gives her a sense of hope that good will triumph over evil.
When hardships come and we fall into despair, it is easy to think that everyone is evil. Still, a single act of kindness can remind you that the world is full of kindness. Bearing that in mind will give you the strength to keep going, even when things get dark.
Looking For Some Fairy Tales For Adults?
If you used to believe in fairy tales, magic, and true love, you might want to give ABC’s Once Upon A Time a shot. The series takes all the characters we all know and love as kids, such as Snow White, Prince Charming, Cinderella, Peter Pan and portrays them in a more realistic way that adults will gladly enjoy.
You will never look at these figures the same way: Snow White turns out to be a bandit, Peter Pan is a villain, and Belle is not as innocent as she looks.
Still, it doesn’t mean the whole series is dark and haunting. Fans can still enjoy the fairytale-like romances they once love. Snow White and Prince Charming are divided into almost all episodes, but they never stop searching for each other. I assure you that Charming’s “I will always find you” is a lot more swoon-worthy than any animated tale. That’s just one of the love birds that will bring tears to your eye, but we won’t give any further spoilers!
Quotes About Fairy Tales – Final Thoughts
You can’t resist the attraction of these fairy tales, and your mind have no space for “Under The Oak Tree” novel! We have packed our childhood toys and replaced our blazers and satchels with smart suits and shoulder bags. Also, we also forget how to view the world with the same wonder that a child does. We forget that good things, like hope and true love, still exist.
Even so, fairy tales stay. They are here to remind us of a simpler time before we had all the responsibilities and insecurities of adult life. They let us know that somehow, in some way, everything will be alright in the end. Most importantly, they give us the courage to move on and write our own tales. Agree with Jobandedu?
Hope these quotes about fairy tales give you the inspiration you need. The world is waiting to hear your Once Upon A Time.
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