Storytime for Grownups: Summer Session – The Importance of Fairy Tales with Boze Herrington
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Overview
In this engaging episode of Storytime for Grownups, host Faith Moore kicks off the special "Summer Session," a seasonal departure from the usual format of reading classic literature with insightful commentary. Instead, Faith introduces listeners to an exploration of fairy tales, delving into their profound impact on Western literature and storytelling traditions. Accompanied by guest Boze Herrington, an authority on myths and fairy tales, the episode offers a compelling discussion on why these age-old stories remain vital and influential today.
Introduction to Summer Session
Faith Moore begins the episode by outlining the concept of "Summer Session," likening it to a fun college class focused on fairy tales. She emphasizes the goal of deepening listeners' understanding of storytelling by examining the foundational elements of fairy tales and their enduring relevance.
"Fairy tales are one of the most important building blocks of Western literature."
— Faith Moore [00:03]
Faith highlights that during the summer, the podcast will release weekly episodes every Monday, each delving into different aspects of fairy tales and their connections to the classic books typically featured in the podcast.
Listener Reactions and Community Engagement
Faith shares enthusiastic feedback from listeners who express excitement and appreciation for the new focus on fairy tales. These testimonials underscore the community's eagerness to engage with and explore these timeless stories.
Notable Quotes:
"I love thinking about how stories bind us together as humans, how they speak to our differences."
— Aaron Hynek [07:50]
"I love fairy tales, but not in a Disney sort of way. I love the way that both Tolkien wrote about it and C.S. Lewis described them."
— Danielle Costa [08:20]
"I love this podcast. My three boys and I have recently decided to have a fairy tale summer, so we will be reading many as a family this year."
— Meredith [09:15]
These quotes reflect the diverse ways in which fairy tales resonate with the audience, from literary appreciation to family traditions.
Interview with Boze Herrington: Defining and Valuing Fairy Tales
Faith introduces her guest, Boze Herrington, known on social media as "Bose the Library Owl." Boze brings a wealth of knowledge on myths, fairy tales, and folklore, providing listeners with expert insights into the subject.
Defining Fairy Tales
Boze begins by differentiating fairy tales from other forms of traditional narratives like myths, legends, and sagas. He explains that fairy tales are primarily folktales passed down orally through generations, often evolving over centuries.
"Because they were passed down over, say, hundreds of years...they kept changing and were refined."
— Boze Herrington [15:04]
He references Tom Shippey’s work on Tolkien’s creation of new mythology, highlighting the intricate process through which fairy tales become perfected over time, making it challenging for modern writers to craft entirely original fairy tales without drawing from this extensive heritage.
Elements that Define Fairy Tales
Boze discusses the common motifs and structures that characterize fairy tales, such as the presence of ordinary protagonists who rely on their wits to navigate magical or challenging situations.
"The protagonist is often a very clever person who survives by his wits."
— Boze Herrington [17:51]
He cites the Stith Thompson Motif Index as a comprehensive collection of fairy tale elements, illustrating the depth and variety inherent in these stories.
Fairy Tales: Not Just for Children
Addressing the misconception that fairy tales are merely children's stories, Boze argues that many traditional fairy tales contain dark, complex themes not typically suitable for children today.
"If you actually read some of these stories, many of them are not for children...Grimm Brothers' 'The Juniper Tree'...about a stepmother who chops up her stepson."
— Boze Harrington [20:22]
He emphasizes that authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien championed fairy tales as essential for spiritual and psychological nourishment, countering the modern perception that they are simplistic bedtime stories.
The Influence of Fairy Tales on Modern Literature
Boze elaborates on how contemporary writers and creators draw inspiration from fairy tales, intentionally or subconsciously. He provides examples of how classics like The Lord of the Rings and modern works like Harry Potter are deeply rooted in traditional fairy tale motifs and structures.
"There is not any modern literature without the myths and fairy tales of the past."
— Boze Harrington [24:53]
He discusses the importance of understanding these foundational stories to create meaningful and resonant narratives in today's literature and media.
Recommendations for Exploring Fairy Tales
Boze offers an extensive reading list for those new to fairy tales or seeking to deepen their appreciation. His recommendations include:
- Andrew Lang's Colored Fairy Books: Comprehensive collections showcasing a vast array of fairy tales from different cultures.
- The Arabian Nights (Thousand and One Nights): A seminal work featuring a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern folktales.
- Joseph Jacobs' "English Fairy Tales" and "Celtic Fairy Tales": Definitive collections capturing the essence of English and Celtic folklore.
- Peter Beresford Ellis's "Celtic Myths and Legends": An anthology of Celtic stories renowned for their depth and complexity.
- Kevin Crossley-Holland's "Norse Myths": A well-crafted rendition of Norse mythology.
"If you want to write good stories and if you want to write good movies, you have to go back to the classics."
— Boze Harrington [28:06]
Boze's Favorite Fairy Tale: "Cherry of Xenor"
Boze shares his favorite fairy tale, "Cherry of Xenor," recounting its intricate narrative and themes. He highlights its blend of enchantment and darkness, exemplifying the depth found in traditional fairy tales.
"It's probably still the weirdest thing I've ever read."
— Boze Harrington [41:33]
His detailed synopsis of the tale showcases the rich storytelling and moral complexities that make fairy tales enduringly captivating.
Conclusion and Further Engagement
Faith wraps up the episode by thanking Boze for his invaluable insights and encourages listeners to explore the recommended fairy tale collections. She reiterates the importance of the Summer Session’s focus on fairy tales in enhancing listeners’ understanding of storytelling and invites the community to engage through letters and the online "Drawing Room."
"We need to break the spell of modernism that says that the material world is all that matters."
— Boze Harrington [22:30]
Faith also reminds listeners to subscribe, participate in community discussions, and support the independent podcast through reviews and donations.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a foundational exploration into the world of fairy tales, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and contemporary literature. By debunking myths about the simplicity of fairy tales and highlighting their intricate structures and themes, Faith Moore and Boze Herrington provide listeners with a renewed appreciation for these timeless stories. Whether you're a seasoned literature enthusiast or new to fairy tales, this episode offers valuable insights and resources to deepen your narrative comprehension and storytelling prowess.