The recurring themes in your life or personality have parallels in myths and fairy tales.

Myths and fairy tales are stories of transformation, and offer insights and inspiration for your own journey.

Myths get at the heart of human behavior, at profound truths and ageless patterns—including your own.

Myths aren’t falsehoods. They aren’t literally true, but psychologically true.

If you’ve ever heard yourself say “That’s the story of my life,” there’s probably a literal story—a fairy tale, a myth, even a novel—that would capture it, helping you understand it and maybe retell it.

For example, if the story of your life is one of constantly taking the weight of the world onto your shoulders, you’re recapitulating the story of Atlas. If you’re often brought down by your pride or over-ambition, you’re living out the myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and plunged to earth. If you've overcome tremendous obstacles in your life, you're living out the story of the Phoenix rising. You’re channeling Pandora when your curiosity keeps getting you into trouble, Sisyphus when your efforts feel futile and never-ending, Narcissus when you’re overly self-involved, Superman when you imagine yourself invincible, Ahab when you’re undone by your own anger, and Jonah when you’re constantly running from a calling.

The Odyssey isn’t just Ulysses’ story, nor The Wizard of Oz just Dorothy’s. They’re accounts of anyone struggling to find their way home. Bilbo Baggins is anyone who feels compelled to leave behind the familiar for a greater cause. Exodus is about any kind of deliverance from bondage.

The Relevance of Myths and Fairy Tales to Modern Life

No matter what themes dominate your life (trying to change the world, seeking purpose or power, gaining love, finding yourself, healing a wound) and no matter what traits dominate your personality (independence, competitiveness, compassion, fear, stubbornness, enthusiasm, narcissism), you can find striking parallels to them—as well as insights, inspiration and cautionary tales—in the........

© Psychology Today