The Case for the Eldest Sibling

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.