#23916
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Ripening
Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now
Book • 2026
In 'Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now', Dr Sharon Blackie argues that traditional fairy tales teach resilience and collective transformation, especially for women facing contemporary crises.
Drawing on folklore, mythology and psychological insight, she shows how narratives beginning in catastrophe model paths through loss toward renewal with communal support.
The book examines recurring archetypes and the practical, moral lessons embedded in fairy tales that help readers navigate modern uncertainty.
Blackie places women’s storytelling traditions at the forefront, reclaiming their cultural and spiritual value for midlife and beyond.
Through literary analysis and applied guidance, she makes the case that these old stories remain a living resource for personal and social ripening.
Drawing on folklore, mythology and psychological insight, she shows how narratives beginning in catastrophe model paths through loss toward renewal with communal support.
The book examines recurring archetypes and the practical, moral lessons embedded in fairy tales that help readers navigate modern uncertainty.
Blackie places women’s storytelling traditions at the forefront, reclaiming their cultural and spiritual value for midlife and beyond.
Through literary analysis and applied guidance, she makes the case that these old stories remain a living resource for personal and social ripening.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Dr Sharon Blackie
The Work That Must Be Written: Sharon Blackie on Story and Substack
Mentioned by the hosts and guest as the guest's new book, cited as the reason for the episode's focus on fairy tales and midlife.
Why We Need Fairy Tales Now — with Sharon Blackie
Mentioned by 
Sara Cox
Celebrating Fairy Tales - with Dr Sharon Blackie
