Fairy tales are filled with conflict. In most, a struggle ensues between good and evil, and good wins out in the end.

We see this theme throughout Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. The innocent child reveals the naked truth about the arrogant emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes. The spell of the evil goblin on little Kay in the Snow Queen is overcome by young Gerda’s determination to rescue her friend. And through perseverance and modesty, the Ugly Duckling, who was bullied, grows into the most beautiful swan of all and the envy of the ducks who abused him. 

Fiction is based on reality. There must be at least some truth to the plot or we cannot identify. In real life, evil causes great destruction, but cannot win in the end. Evil intensifies and perpetuates more evil, ultimately destroying itself. A fire can only burn for so long before it’s consumed everything in it’s path but does suffocate before going further.

In contrast, good blossoms. There’s always recovery after disaster. Efforts of kindness, understanding, and love spread their beautiful seeds.The process may be slower, however, it does succeed in proliferating beauty.

As Scripture says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Be the hero who perseveres, raises morale, and spreads kindness.

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