Iron John

“The images the old stories give—stealing the key from under the mother’s pillow, picking up a golden feather fallen from the burning breast of the Firebird, finding the Wild Man under the lake water, following the tracks of one’s own wound through the forest and finding that it resembles the tracks of a god—these are meant to be taken slowly into the body. They continue to unfold, once taken in.”

The use of symbolism emerges through the enumeration of actions found within old stories, each representing transformative journeys or encounters that symbolize deeper psychological or spiritual quests. The symbolism of stealing a key, picking up a golden feather, or encountering the Wild Man underscores a narrative of discovery and the unveiling of hidden truths. These symbols serve as metaphors for personal growth and the exploration of the unconscious, suggesting that such encounters lead to a profound internal unfolding once individuals internalize them.

“Stories, then—fairy stories, legends, myths, hearth stories—amount to a reservoir where we keep new ways of responding that we can adopt when the conventional and current ways wear out.”

Bly emphasizes the didactic nature of stories, positioning them as repositories of wisdom and alternative modes of understanding. This notion aligns with the literary device of didacticism, where stories serve a dual purpose of entertaining and instructing. By describing stories as a "reservoir," there’s a metaphorical implication of depth and abundance, suggesting that narratives are a wellspring of potential insights and solutions that can be drawn upon when conventional wisdom falls short. It underscores The Role of Myth and Storytelling in Understanding Identity. This perspective champions the enduring value of myths, fairy tales, and legends as vehicles for transmitting cultural knowledge and fostering adaptability in the face of evolving societal norms.