The first half of this seminar will explore the symbolism of the fairy hero known as the dummling (simpleton). He is characterized by disarming, ego-subversive inner qualities of naivete, innocence and humility, and is possessed with “an integrity of the personality” that Marie-Louise von Franz deemed an aspect of the Self and “the essence of Jungian psychology.” Through his willingness to suffer the unknown, the dummling offers a link to our healing, wonderment and creativity. This is a capacity that exists in each of us. In the seminar, we will examine the dummling’s significance in fairy tales, and his importance to Jungian psychology as a whole. The value of feeling-based intelligence will be primary over thought-based interpretation in accordance with the dummling spirit.
“Being old is highly unpopular,” noted Jung. And yet, elders in ancient tales, from ordinary characters confronting poverty, failure, and loss, to extraordinary wizards and crones, beckon us into larger relationship with our own aging selves. In the second part of the seminar we will explore elder characters in timeless tales, including the Italian fairy tale Shining Fish and the Apache folktale The Old Woman Weaves the World. We will also consider how the dummling and the elder might be related.
Brief readings, including the folk/fairy tale texts, will be provided before each session. This seminar is in-person at our OFJ Library .
- January 25, 2026 – Jerry Deckelbaum
- February 1 – Jerry Deckelbaum
- February 8 – Jerry Deckelbaum
- February 22 — Maribeth Kallemeyn
- March 1 – Maribeth Kallemeyn
- March 8 – Maribeth Kallemeyn