I can’t believe people would miss the point of this story, but then again, after Disney’s criminal bastardization of Fairy Tales, maybe it’s not so mysterious.
The point of a Fairy Tale is not for the protaganist to succeed, or in this case, “gain wisdom,” the point is for the listener to gain wisdom. As such, Fairy Tales can be stories of overcoming obstacles, or they can be cautionary tales.
Or, to use Editor Swirky’s archetype, WE are the third sister.
The actual wisdom that we (and for that matter, the princess) can glean from the situation is immense. It is also both philosophical and practical.
Our lives are short, and to live them in fear, in constant desire of something better, and with constant anger over our present is to miss what’s going on.
And if THAT’S not enough, we could miss a meal!
And if THAT’S not enough, at the very least we should learn that you’re never going to get the long end of the stick from a man who can make Dancing Yams.
Words to live by.
What these “adults” have missed kids would grasp intuitively.
Bloody well done, Mr. Bruce Holland Rogers. Olk Kwaku would be proud.