How fairy stories can shape our lifetimes

Fairy stories creep into our lives from childhood on. Whether they are heard, read, personally thought up or composed by others, fairy stories constitute part of our cultural fabric, both traditional and contemporary. They have ancient origins and tell us of a world beyond time and space, where entirely ordinary characters are caught up in extraordinary situations. The significance of fairy stories in all cultures has been examined from a range of angles and multiple studies point to their importance in shaping the lives not only of children but also of adults. This article explores the relevance of fairy stories – regardless of whether they are heard, read, narrated or made up – in fostering competence in reading and writing and in developing identity in adults. Insights from the literature on this subject are combined with findings resulting from the analysis of a series of biographical interviews.