Fairy Tale: a wonder tale or magic tale that typically features dwarfs, dragons, elves, fairies, mermaids, talking animals, trolls, unicorns, or witches, and usually magic or enchantments. Myth: a sacred story of the gods; a religious account of the beginning of the world; the deeds of Gods and heroes; as a result of which the world, nature, and culture were created and given order. The Fox and the Rose combines the best of both of these traditions, literary and spiritual, magical and mystical. Most of the tales in this collection follow the recognizable fairy tale scheme: once, in such-and-such a land, there lived …. There are tests to pass and promises to keep and, if the hero proves worthy, a happily ever after is won. Sometimes, though, the endings are bittersweet or justly tragic, particularly when promises are broken, pride overrules compassion, and respect is denied.
