Raising the Bar: Fairytales and War

Raising the Bar is back for a third round! The University of Auckland is proud to once again host this unique event in which our academics give free public lectures in pubs and bars.

Join Sara Buttsworth for Fairytales and War - and the Breadcrumb Trails Between.

What does a story about two children lost in the woods, a house made of gingerbread and a witch have to do with war? What can a dystopian vision of teenagers fighting one another to the death possibly have to do with a most beloved fairy tale? How might the intertwining of these two stories provide commentary on war and society?

Join us for Sara’s spirited talk about how the overlap between fairy tales and war stories is undeniable. Stories that valorise certain people as heroes and cast others as ogres are definitely in fairy tale territory. Fairy tales directly reference the consumption of children, the decimation of environments, soldiers cast adrift and the selfishness of kings who are motivated by greed and power. From Hansel and Gretel to The Hunger Games, the parallels here to wars, past and present are unavoidable.

Registrations essential.