9. Interpretations of Fairy Tales

Now, in conclusion, I would like to tell you a fairy tale for your own reflection, which will show you the most diverse motifs we have seen playing out when humans come into contact with the astral world. And if you apply what we have said to this somewhat complicated fairy tale, you will be able to find the thread running through it almost by yourself. This fairy tale is like a synthesis, like a summary of the most diverse forces interacting with one another. Once upon a time—where was it? Yes, it could have happened anywhere, where hasn't it happened? — there lived an old king. He had three sons and three daughters. When he was dying, the king said to his three sons: Give the three daughters to the first men who come to ask for their hands, so that they do not remain unmarried. That is the first lesson I give you. The second is that you must not go to a certain place, especially not at night! And he showed them this place under a poplar tree in the forest.