Both tales have a similar archetypal structure (also shared with Cinderella) that explores transformations of the feminine principle, learning sacred mysteries, confronting shadow and the Great Mother, all within a set of trials. It's fascinating!
The divergence in approach of each heroine is quite interesting. Although Psyche gives up I …
Both tales have a similar archetypal structure (also shared with Cinderella) that explores transformations of the feminine principle, learning sacred mysteries, confronting shadow and the Great Mother, all within a set of trials. It's fascinating!
The divergence in approach of each heroine is quite interesting. Although Psyche gives up I sometimes see that as releasing the conscious will around the tasks and having faith in something deeper. In Vasilisa, her mother's doll plays that role, in Psyche, the animals, tower, etc. Both feel similar in that respect, a relinquishing that gives space to tap into intuition, ancestral wisdom, the unconscious, etc.
Outwardly, Vasilisa certainly has a stronger sense of character and bravery. Her reward is the libidinal and creative/destructive fire, which matches her story well. I find Psyche to be at a much higher disadvantage in terms of personality structure, farther to fall and more to reconcile. Perhaps that makes her transformation all the more captivating as well.
Of course, the Cinderella story too - my mother’s favorite! I hadn’t connected that. Psyche seems to take a long time to learn her lessons - the tests just don’t let up! She does seem to be in it alone, with no ancestral help. I love that Vasilisa has her doll and trusts its counsel. Thanks for this wonderful topic!
Both tales have a similar archetypal structure (also shared with Cinderella) that explores transformations of the feminine principle, learning sacred mysteries, confronting shadow and the Great Mother, all within a set of trials. It's fascinating!
The divergence in approach of each heroine is quite interesting. Although Psyche gives up I sometimes see that as releasing the conscious will around the tasks and having faith in something deeper. In Vasilisa, her mother's doll plays that role, in Psyche, the animals, tower, etc. Both feel similar in that respect, a relinquishing that gives space to tap into intuition, ancestral wisdom, the unconscious, etc.
Outwardly, Vasilisa certainly has a stronger sense of character and bravery. Her reward is the libidinal and creative/destructive fire, which matches her story well. I find Psyche to be at a much higher disadvantage in terms of personality structure, farther to fall and more to reconcile. Perhaps that makes her transformation all the more captivating as well.
Of course, the Cinderella story too - my mother’s favorite! I hadn’t connected that. Psyche seems to take a long time to learn her lessons - the tests just don’t let up! She does seem to be in it alone, with no ancestral help. I love that Vasilisa has her doll and trusts its counsel. Thanks for this wonderful topic!
My pleasure, thanks for participating :)