Novalis & The Healing Art of Fairytale

“The fairytale is mightier than philosophy!”

— Bruce Donehower, after Novalis

This 20-minute lecture video is from a Section meeting held in Fair Oaks on November 20, 2020.

Lecture by Bruce Donehower (20 min)

Novalis thought very highly of fairytales. Much of what Novalis says about the spiritual importance of fairy tales is echoed by Rudolf Steiner one hundred years or more after Novalis died. This is entirely in keeping with the extreme importance that Rudolf Steiner gave to Novalis — for example in the Last Address.

One of the most arresting statements made by Rudolf Steiner about the fairy tale is that “fairytales can help counter illnesses.” We find this statement in the book The World of Fairy Tales, which is featured in the Books section of our local group’s website.

The fairytale is narrated by Margit Ilgen and Marion Donehower, with original music by Bruce Donehower. (July 2020)

“New Moon Salon” Performance Videos of the Fairytale

English Language Version

German Language Version