Fairy tales have long served as a mirror to the deepest layers of the human psyche, offering symbolic narratives of transformation, struggle, and redemption. In Witches, Ogres, and the Devil’s Daughter: Encounters with Evil in Fairy Tales, Mario Jacoby, Verena Kast, and Ingrid Riedel explore the psychological dimensions of evil as it manifests in folklore and mythology. Drawing from Jungian depth psychology, the authors examine figures such as witches, ogres, and demonic daughters—not as mere villains, but as archetypal representations of fear, repression, and the shadow aspects of the self.
This book delves into how fairy tales illuminate the nature of evil, not as an external force alone but as an intrinsic part of the psyche’s developmental journey. By analyzing classic stories through a symbolic and psychological lens, the authors reveal how these dark figures serve as catalysts for transformation, pushing protagonists toward individuation.
Originally published in 1992 as a collaboration between three leading Jungian analysts, this work remains a vital resource for understanding the moral and existential struggles embedded in folklore. Witches, Ogres, and the Devil’s Daughter is essential reading for those interested in the intersection of depth psychology, mythology, and cultural narratives of good and evil.
By republishing this landmark text, JUNGIANEUM/Books reaffirms its commitment to preserving and revitalizing foundational works in analytical psychology. This book is not only a classic but a necessary reference for the evolving field of depth psychology.