Thank you so much for leaving this comment. I think these strange and seemingly nonsensical repetitions are one of the more fascinating aspects of myths, folk tales and fairy tales. It separates them from more traditional narratives, where it would come across as a bit odd.
I’m reminded of the story in scripture that Peter would deny his association with Christ three times before the cock crows. When I was a kid I thought that was odd: Why are we told this is going to happen as a premonition; and then subjected to a description of all three instances of it taking place?
But I think these things lend a bit of mysteriousness and a dreamlike quality to the tales. Perhaps they hark back to ancient precedents. If we take the example from the gospels, I could see a ritualistic purpose to this. Maybe it was a liturgical device whereby the priest recited the questions posed by the strangers and the congregation responded with Peter’s denial.
Even in the old tales, some people were too trusting to live.
You'd think that little snow white would learn the lessons of trusting strangers.
First strangled by her stays, then poisoned by the comb.
If she's not careful, it's gonna be the tomb.
Thank you so much for leaving this comment. I think these strange and seemingly nonsensical repetitions are one of the more fascinating aspects of myths, folk tales and fairy tales. It separates them from more traditional narratives, where it would come across as a bit odd.
I’m reminded of the story in scripture that Peter would deny his association with Christ three times before the cock crows. When I was a kid I thought that was odd: Why are we told this is going to happen as a premonition; and then subjected to a description of all three instances of it taking place?
But I think these things lend a bit of mysteriousness and a dreamlike quality to the tales. Perhaps they hark back to ancient precedents. If we take the example from the gospels, I could see a ritualistic purpose to this. Maybe it was a liturgical device whereby the priest recited the questions posed by the strangers and the congregation responded with Peter’s denial.