We recently discussed in my Myth and Folklore class how it is a common motif in fairy tales that the youngest is always the one who cleverly bests the giant or defeats the ogre, seeing as in reality, the youngest child would be the least valued, while the eldest would get the inheritance. And seeing as society loves the underdog, it is the youngest who gets all the fun adventures and is credited with bravery, cunning, and wits.
I, however, would like to plead the case on behalf of the eldest child. Being an eldest daughter myself, I am constantly offended by the picture of the eldest in fairy tales, and would like to take a stand against it. I should like to think that I certainly am clever enough to defeat any manner of villain, be he an ogre or giant, or be she a witch or sorceress or what-have-you. In fact, I know I am clever enough because, as a young child, I used to figure out plans in my head for what I would do should I ever be in such a situation.
It has come to my attention, as well, that the world for so long has been praising the so-called-underdog, the youngest, that the roles have, in fact, been switched! It is now cliche and quite expected that the youngest sibling will come up with the plans to save the day. The eldest sibling is repressed and made to look the fool, having to trail around following the youngest all the time, or blundering about being dark and evil and proud, OR, in certain select cases (usually when she has no other siblings), being a helpless damsel in distress, which certainly will not do, either.
[This paragraph added on 4/26, 11:52 am] Because think about it. If our town was suddenly attacked by a terrible ogre and an eldest child went up against it, everyone would be shaking their heads and saying, "That's it. We're doomed. That's an eldest, she doesn't stand a chance! Now, if we had a youngest, that would be something. But eldests don't best ogres!"
No, I have come to put an end to all this. It is time for all eldest children to go on adventures and save the day.
Here is an unfinished poem I wrote during my Rambam class one day on the subject as part of the campaign:
[Untitled]
As per tradition nowadays,
The 'underdog' is cheered by all.
The 'privileged' one,
The whole world says,
As per tradition needs to fall.
But what if that same 'underdog'
Was really the one at the top,
And as for the poor 'privileged' one,
Being thought so's not a fair cop.
In Fairy Tales it is always,
The younger sister gets the praise.
She's beautiful and virtuous,
With golden hair like sunbeam rays.
The older sister's pushed aside,
By those biased against first-borns,
Perceived a prig and full of pride,
Wearing an ugly look of scorn.
But take a moment, if you will,
to reconsider this cruel view.
This claim of her dark wickedness
is unjust, wrong, and plain untrue.
To younger sister flies attention,
Beauty, fame, and suitors plenty,
While older girl is left to struggle
Just because she first turned twenty.
Yes, like I said, the poem is unfinished. But there it is all the same. My point is made, I hope.
6 comments:
Incidentally, there are two different versions (if not more) of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."
In one of them, the youngest one is the lady chosen as queen; in the other one, the oldest is.
By the way, the motif your teacher is describing can be found here in the Motif Index.
Here are the motif numbers that apply:
L0--L99 Victorious youngest child.
L0. Victorious youngest child.
L10. Victorious youngest son. *Types 326, 402, 471, 513, 550, 551, 554, 569, 570, 571, 577, 580, 610, 935, 1650. See also references under each of these type entries in FFC LXXIV. # D861.3. Magic object stolen by brothers. Type 563. # H912. Tasks assigned at suggestion of jealous brothers (sisters). *Type 408. # H1242. Youngest brother alone succeeds on quest. *Type 402, 471, 550, 551, 577. # H1471. Watch for devastating monster. -- Youngest alone successful. *Types 301, 550. # J22. Precepts of the lion to his sons. -- Only the younger keeps them and is successful. # K308. Youngest brother surpasses elder as thief. Type 1525*. # K2211. Treacherous brother. -- Usually elder brother. *Types 301, 502, 506, 550, 551. # L101. Unpromising hero -- (male Cinderella) -- Usually but not always, the unpromising hero is also the youngest son. # P11.2.1. King chosen by contest: princess finding greatest fault with their father. -- Youngest can find no fault and is chosen. Type 924**. # R155.1. Youngest brother rescues his elder brothers. (Cf. L31.) *Types 303, 303*, 327**, 471, 551. # Z221. Eldest brother as hero.
L10.1. Name of victorious youngest son.
L10.1.1. "Thirteen" as name of victorious youngest son. -- (Youngest of thirteen brothers.) # T596.2. Children named by number (1, 2, 3, etc.).
L10.2. Abused son of younger co-wife becomes hero.
L11. Fortunate youngest son. -- Always has good luck. *Type 1650.
Or you could just look here.
The idea of eldest child as a hero already exists- it is simply less frequent in the common fairy tales-
Z221. Eldest brother as hero
Well, yes, of course it's got to exist somewhere but definitely not frequently enough to be satisfactory. :D
And thanks for the motif index!
And Chana, just look at how many motif numbers there are for youngest hero. Now look how many you gave me for eldest.
We must start an eldest revolution! Hero rights for the first born!
May I join the revolution? Eldest children unite! Not only can we save the day, but we blog too!
SJ - Of course! Yay!
Post a Comment