RAPUNZEL

In this fairy tale Rapunzel was named for the leafy green vegetable craved by her pregnant mother. Her father was caught stealing from the witch’s lush garden and agreed to hand over the child when she was born.

Although the witch held Rapunzel captive in a tall tower, she also taught her wisdom, gained by time and solitude. Her enlightenment was embodied in the long golden tresses that emanated from her head.

A passing prince heard Rapunzel’s melodious voice and was drawn to the tower where he observed the witch climbing up through a tiny window high above. After the witch’s departure, he mimicked her and cried out, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.” He climbed up, and they were soon in love.

One day, Rapunzel innocently compared the witch’s slow climb to that of the agile prince, and their secret encounters were revealed. The angry witch cut off her hair, stripping her of her self-authority. The witch then tied the rope like strands to the window sill and waited to entrap the unsuspecting prince. When he learned that Rapunzel had been banished to desolation, he leapt from the window in despair and was blinded by the thorns below.

In order to evolve beyond the clandestine beginnings of their early infatuation, Rapunzel had to mature through suffering, and the prince had to search in darkness for years to find her. In her solitude, her hair had again grown long, heralding the return of her inner voice. One day the prince heard her and was drawn to the sound of her singing. They were reunited and her falling tears of joy restored his sight. She, and their boy and girl twins, symbols of their marriage, were liberated and returned with the prince to his kingdom to live happily ever after.