Once Upon A Place – forests, caverns and other
places of transformation in myths, fairy tales and films
Holly Bellebuono
(Llewellyn)
Holly Bellebuono has crafted an intriguing book exploring several key locations that feature in many mythic stories, legends, fairy and folk tales. The concept is that the locations themselves not only set the scene, but also influence the challenges and dangers that the hero/ine must face and overcome. The stories she engages with are those that have a quest at their centre and where the protagonist has to embark on a “World Journey” to find either the answer, an artifact, or must pass through a rite of passage to attain adulthood or maturity.
In these tales the hero/ine seeks enlightenment and
renewal, which necessitate them entering the Abyss and/or the Void, this
journey takes them from their previous comfortable but static situation, whilst
presenting them with a series of challenges that bring about inner
transformation and eventually enables them to emerge from the Abyss as a wiser
and more mature being.
The Abyss and the Void can be found in various
mysterious locations where magic can happen, where monsters, beasts, deities
and gods can be met, where choices must be taken, often without any surety of
success.
Holly has selected five main mysterious and fearful locations that appear in stories from many cultures - including Mesopotamia, Ethiopia, Greece, Ireland, Norway, North America, and Russia; and from many different times – from ancient to contemporary.
Caves and caverns serve as portals to the Underworld
and other dimensions. The limitless and
bottomless ocean may have to be traversed or dived into. Vessels such as cauldrons, springs,
fountains, and wells can bring healing, prophecy, and magic and illustrate the
positive power of water in contrast to the more fearful aspects of oceans. The wild woods are a place of mystery and
magic, where evil beings, witches and wild beasts may be encountered. And having to traverse a labyrinth with all
of its twists and turns disorients and confuses the seeker.
All of these locations are effectively portals to
other-ness, and the nature of the location seems to dictate the type of lessons
to be learnt, although, if successfully negotiated, all ultimately result in
the seeker undergoing some kind of change or self-discovery, which in turn
enables them to return to their previously known world, wiser and transformed.
Holly analyses the make-up of the quest journeys in these stories, and divides them into three significant sections that interweave throughout, which she titles as “Descent and Resurrection”- this is the journey into the unknown and eventually the return. “Chaos and Void” - the challenges and fears faced on that journey. “Beast and Guide” - the enemies and helpers encountered on the way. Then she examines these in the contexts of the identified locations, in the process re-telling some classic tales.
In the chapter on caves, caverns and tunnels she
recounts the stories of those who have travelled to the Underworld, we read
about Inanna and Persephone who, in descending to the worlds below embrace
their own transitions, sacrificing and losing something of themselves in order
to resurrect and return in an altered form.
We meet Tiamat and Gilgamesh, amongst others, in the section on the watery depths, namely the oceans and the seas, in their limitless and boundaryless aspects. Exploring primal chaos, the subconscious and symbolic links to water, these ancient stories strike a deep chord within us.
The theme of water continues in the chapter on the vessel. The cauldron that contains water, also contains wisdom, nourishment and magic. This is another aspect of water, its life-giving potential and is in stark contrast to the fearsome aspect of it as the bottomless and infinite sea. In this chapter we encounter Cerridwen and Frau Holle amongst many others.
The forest chapter contrasts the magic and mystery and
beneficial nature of a single tree – as the world tree, against the fearful
environment of the dark places of the wild woods, where all kinds of
unimaginable horrors may lurk. A
difficult and challenging place where it is easy to get lost and perhaps never
find the way out. We meet The Bear
Prince and Vasalisa here, amongst others.
Finally in the labyrinth we encounter the Minotaur and Spider Grandmother. The circuitous nature of the labyrinth suspends time and space and takes us to an altered reality where we have to face the denizens of this curious place.
Successful navigation of the challenges encountered is the usual expected result, but success is often different to what is initially envisaged. The inner transformation may involve knowing oneself to a greater depth and in turn knowing what one wants to do or not do, knowing what is the right path forward. Sometimes choosing not to face a challenge is the correct path, and this in turn can lead to enlightenment.
Holly has penned an interesting book presenting concepts and ideas that get you thinking in a different way about familiar tales. Written in an easily accessible style, it is a pleasure to read and next time you find yourself in any of the places she looks at; by the sea, or on a walk in the woods, you will most certainly look around you with a new awareness of its deep-rooted significance in our psyches.
Essential Information: 'Once Upon A Place – forests, caverns and other places of transformation in myths, fairy tales and films' is published by Llewellyn and can be ordered from their online store here
Images from Wiki Commons
