The Alchemical Legacy of Disney
Disney's cultural impact and the hidden symbolism of absent mothers
Photo by John R. Clarke@Substack.com
In an era where seemingly everything is politicized, it's easy to overlook the profound and enduring influence that Disney has had on our collective consciousness. Beneath the current political debates, Disney's most significant impact lies in its ability to shape childhood experiences across generations, cultures, and social divides.
For nearly a century, Disney has enjoyed an unparalleled privilege: access to the sacred realm of childhood. Welcomed into homes and hearts worldwide, Disney's reach transcends barriers of class, religion, and culture. With over 150 million households subscribing to Disney Plus globally, including almost half of America's households, these numbers only scratch the surface of Disney's true impact over the decades through cinema, DVDs, and television.
This extensive reach brings with it an equally immense responsibility and power. As a storyteller to the masses, Disney has the capacity to mould not only individual childhoods but the collective psyche of entire generations. The narratives, characters, and themes presented by Disney become integral to our shared cultural lexicon, shaping how we perceive and navigate the world.
In countless households, including my own, Disney has served as a trusted babysitter and entertainer long before the advent of iPads. I remember, with a tinge of guilt, how putting on a DVD of "The Aristocats" or "Sleeping Beauty" could buy me 90 minutes of precious quiet time. But I never questioned the content of these films, trusting implicitly in the purity and wholesomeness of fairy tales.
Indeed, I maintain that fairy tales are a crucial part of childhood. These ancient stories, conveyed through the language of symbols and archetypes, speak to universal truths about the human experience. They are timeless tales that resonate deep within our collective psyche, transcending the boundaries of culture and era. As a modern custodian of these mythic narratives, Disney has assumed the role of preserving and transmitting these essential stories to new generations.
However, something seems amiss in the Magic Kingdom. Despite Disney's long-standing reputation as a trusted storyteller and the enduring power of fairy tales, a growing sense of disenchantment and unease surrounds the House of Mouse. In recent years, Disney has faced mounting criticism and controversy, from accusations of political bias to concerns about the company's increasing monopoly over the entertainment industry. Some argue that in its pursuit of profit and market dominance, Disney has sacrificed the magic and wonder that once defined its brand. Others suggest that Disney's growing reliance on remakes, sequels, and adaptations has diluted the mythic power of its narratives, substituting archetypal depth with surface-level spectacle. As the company navigates these challenges, questions arise about the future of Disney's role as a modern mythmaker and the continued relevance of the stories it tells.
This essay explores Disney's use of alchemical and mythological symbolism, examining their universal psychological impact and the historical roots that imbue these symbols with such potency. It also speculates on the factors contributing to the current disenchantment with Disney and the potential consequences of the company's fall from grace. If Disney loses its magic, how much of childhood wonder will disappear with it?
The Sanctification of Childhood: Disney's Role in Shaping Cultural Perceptions
The concept of childhood as a distinct, cherished phase of life, characterized by innocence, wonder, and play, is a relatively modern construct. Prior to the Victorian era, children were often perceived as miniature adults, expected to contribute to family labor as soon as they were physically able. However, influenced by Romantic ideals, the Victorians began to romanticize childhood as a sacred time, laying the foundation for the kind of storytelling that Disney would later perfect.
The Victorian era witnessed a surge in children's literature, with authors like Lewis Carroll and J.M. Barrie crafting fantastical worlds that celebrated the imagination and purity of childhood. Building upon this foundation in the early 20th century, Disney harnessed the novel medium of animation to bring these magical realms to life in unprecedented ways. As C.S. Lewis famously observed, childhood was the sole window through which magic could be experienced.
By the 1930s, when Walt Disney began producing feature-length animated films, the notion of childhood as a unique and precious stage of life had become firmly entrenched in Western culture. Disney's works not only mirrored this perspective but also played a crucial role in further shaping and defining it. The company's fairy tale adaptations and original stories reinforced the idea of childhood as a time of wonder, adventure, and moral learning—themes that resonated deeply with both children and adults who cherished their own childhood memories.
This historical context illuminates why Disney's approach to storytelling found such fertile ground in the cultural imagination. By tapping into this newly conceived notion of childhood, Disney was not merely entertaining children; it was affirming and moulding societal values about the very essence of childhood itself.
Contrary to popular belief, fairy tales were not initially intended solely for children. These ancient stories, steeped in folklore, were meant to be shared across generations, serving as conduits for moral lessons, cultural values, and collective wisdom. One of the oldest known fairy tales, "The Smith and the Devil," dating back approximately 6,000 years and predating the invention of writing, exemplifies the moralistic nature of early fairy tales. This story, with variations across many cultures, typically revolves around a blacksmith who strikes a deal with a malevolent supernatural being, often the Devil, trading his soul for the ability to weld any materials together. The smith then outsmarts the Devil by using this power to stick him to an immovable object, thereby tricking the Devil and preserving his soul. With its themes of cunning triumphing over brute force and the perils of bargaining with evil, this tale epitomizes the cautionary essence of early fairy tales.
As these stories were passed down through oral tradition, they evolved to reflect the values and concerns of different societies while preserving their core narratives. Often containing dark elements and complex themes, they served as cautionary tales for adults as much as entertainment for children. It wasn't until the 17th and 18th centuries, with authors like Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, that fairy tales began to be transcribed and adapted specifically for younger audiences, often tempering some of the more gruesome elements.
Disney's adaptations of these tales represent a further evolution in this rich tradition. By reimagining these ancient stories through the lens of animation and modern storytelling techniques, Disney has simultaneously preserved and transformed the fairy tale tradition. They continue to serve as vessels for cultural values while adapting them for a new era of childhood innocence.
As we delve deeper into the alchemical and mythological roots of these stories, we begin to uncover the profound psychological impact they have on our collective consciousness. In the following section, we will explore how these ancient tales, with their archetypes and symbolism, resonate with our shared human experience, and how Disney has harnessed this power to shape generations.
The Ancient Alchemical Roots of Disney: Transformation and the Collective Unconscious
At the heart of fairy tales lies a profound allegory of transformation, mirroring the fundamental tenets of alchemy. Just as alchemists sought to transmute base metals into gold, these timeless stories chronicle the hero's journey from ignorance to wisdom, from the mundane to the magical. The trials endured by characters like Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty are not mere plot devices but symbolic representations of the alchemical opus.
The enduring power of fairy tales lies in their alchemical nature, engaging universally resonant archetypes within the collective unconscious and illustrating the alchemical journey through story. These tales bring symbols to life, making them relatable and demonstrating the transformative power of relationships. While societal norms and behaviours may evolve, the core of these stories remains timeless.
Ancient tales from diverse cultures, spanning millennia, contain themes and elements that echo throughout fairy tale tradition:
"The Tale of Two Brothers" (Ancient Egypt, c. 1185 BCE) explores betrayal, magical transformation, and resurrection.
"Cupid and Psyche" (Ancient Rome, 2nd century CE) features tasks set by a magical being, supernatural aid, and a forbidden act—elements familiar in later fairy tales.
"The Odyssey" (Ancient Greece, 8th century BCE), though an epic poem, contains fairy tale motifs such as the encounter with the Cyclops and the transformation of men into pigs by Circe.
"The Panchatantra" (Ancient India, c. 300 BCE), a collection of animal fables and folklore, includes story elements that later emerged in European fairy tales.
"Thousand and One Nights" (Middle East, compiled c. 8th-13th centuries CE) contains tales of ancient origin with classic fairy tale components.
"Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees" (Japan, 15th century CE), a Noh play, incorporates older Japanese folklore, including magical transformations and supernatural beings.
These ancient narratives reveal the deep-rooted presence of transformation, magical trials, talking animals, and encounters with the supernatural in human storytelling. They form the bedrock upon which later fairy tales, including those adapted by Disney, were constructed.
Carl Jung extensively explored the profound nature of these archetypes and their alchemical symbolism across various domains, including fairy tales and Christianity. He posited that alchemy, with its rich symbolic language, was a precursor to modern psychology and that many alchemical symbols could be understood as representations of inner psychological processes1.
Jung viewed fairy tales, like myths, as expressions of the collective unconscious, serving as repositories of archetypal imagery and symbolic themes that often mirrored the stages of the alchemical process. For example:
The Transformation Process: In alchemy, the transformation of base metals into gold symbolizes the individuation process, where an individual moves toward self-realization. Fairy tales often depict this through transformation motifs, such as the frog turning into a prince or the ugly duckling becoming a swan, mirroring the alchemical concept of coniunctio, or the union of opposites, leading to a higher state of being.
Nigredo (Blackening): This initial stage of the alchemical process represents decomposition and dissolution. It manifests in fairy tales where the protagonist descends into darkness, faces chaos, or experiences loss and despair before achieving a new state of consciousness. Cinderella's suffering and loss correspond to the nigredo stage.
Alchemical Vessels and Containers: The motif of vessels and containers in fairy tales often carries alchemical significance, with cauldrons or magic pots representing the vas, the alchemical vessel where transformation occurs. "The Magic Pot," for instance, features a pot that endlessly produces food, symbolizing an inner process of transformation that nourishes the soul.
The Philosopher's Stone: Fairy tales often feature a mysterious object that brings transformation or eternal life, which Jung associated with the alchemical Philosopher's Stone. In "The Golden Bird," the golden object (be it a bird, egg, or apple) serves as a metaphor for the Philosopher's Stone, symbolizing enlightenment and completion.
By recognizing the alchemical underpinnings of fairy tales, we begin to grasp the profound psychological impact these stories have on our collective consciousness. Disney, in adapting these tales for modern audiences, has become a conduit for these ancient symbols, tapping into their transformative power to shape generations. In the next section, we will delve into how these alchemical themes manifest in the Bible, further illustrating their deep roots in our shared cultural heritage.
The Orphan Archetype: Alchemical and Biblical Symbolism
In both alchemical texts and biblical stories, the figure of the orphan holds profound symbolic significance. Jung explored this connection deeply, particularly through the concept of the "orphan stone" or "Lapis Exilis"—another name for the Philosopher's Stone in alchemy.
The orphan stone is described as seemingly insignificant and rejected by the world, yet holding the potential for ultimate transformation. This symbolism reflects the alchemical theme of true spiritual value emerging from what appears worthless or neglected. Jung saw the orphan stone as a powerful symbol of the individuation process, the psychological journey toward wholeness. Just as the orphan stone represents something hidden and unrecognized, the unconscious aspects of the psyche often appear insignificant or threatening at first but are crucial for psychological integration.2
This archetype of the orphan—abandoned, marginalized, yet destined for greatness—is mirrored in numerous biblical figures:
Moses, a key Old Testament figure, was orphaned as an infant and set adrift on the Nile, only to be adopted into the Egyptian royal family. His abandonment and subsequent discovery reflect the alchemical process of something discarded becoming immensely valuable. Moses, the "orphan," becomes the liberator of his people, embodying the transformative power of this archetype.
Jesus Christ, though not literally orphaned, embodies the archetypal "orphan" experience through his humble birth and rejection by the world. Like the orphan stone, Christ appears insignificant to the world but holds immense transformative power. The crucifixion, where he is abandoned even by his closest followers, deepens this symbolic imagery of abandonment and ultimate redemption.
Joseph, in the Book of Genesis, is another striking example. Rejected by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery, Joseph's story parallels the alchemical idea of something discarded becoming valuable through transformation. Despite his abandonment, he rises to a position of power and becomes the saviour of his family.
Throughout the Bible, orphans and widows are identified as being under the particular protection of God. The Old Testament repeatedly admonishes against mistreating these vulnerable groups, emphasizing God's special concern for them (Exodus 22:22-23, Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 68:5). The New Testament upholds this ethos, with James 1:27 defining "pure and faultless" religion as looking after orphans and widows in their distress.3
This recurring biblical motif of God's heart for the orphan and the widow, along with the prominence of orphan-figures in key scriptural narratives, imbues the orphan archetype with sacred significance. When combined with the alchemical symbolism of the orphan stone, we can see how this archetype becomes a powerful representation of the transformative journey—both spiritually and psychologically.
The orphan's journey from abandonment to redemption, from being discarded to becoming cherished, mirrors the alchemical process of transforming lead into gold, the base into the precious. It is a story of hidden worth revealed, of the seemingly insignificant becoming supremely significant. This archetypal narrative, woven through alchemical symbolism and biblical stories, speaks to the profound human longing for transformation and wholeness.
The Orphan Archetype in Disney Films
The prevalence of the orphan archetype in Disney films is striking. Many of Disney's most beloved protagonists are missing one or both parents, particularly their mothers. This absence is a defining feature of their stories and a catalyst for their transformative journeys.
Consider some of Disney's most iconic characters: Snow White, whose mother is never mentioned and who lives under the tyranny of her wicked stepmother; Cinderella, orphaned and mistreated by her stepfamily; Bambi, who tragically loses his mother to a hunter's bullet; Aladdin, an orphan scraping by on the streets of Agrabah; and Simba, who loses his father Mufasa in a heart breaking turn of events. These are just a few examples of a pattern that spans decades of Disney storytelling, from the early classics of the 1930s and 1940s to more recent films like Lilo & Stitch, Frozen, and Big Hero 6.
The frequency of orphan protagonists in Disney films raises intriguing questions. Why is this archetype so prevalent? Perhaps it reflects a common childhood fantasy of independence and adventure, a desire to break free from parental constraints and prove oneself in the world. Or maybe it taps into a primal fear of abandonment, a universal anxiety that resonates with audiences of all ages. On a narrative level, the absence of parents creates a space for the hero to confront challenges, make autonomous decisions, and undergo profound personal transformation—all key elements of a compelling story.
Whatever the specific reasons, the emotional power of the orphan experience seems to be a crucial ingredient in Disney's storytelling magic. These characters, through their vulnerability and resilience, evoke strong feelings of empathy and identification in viewers. We root for them as they navigate adversity, find inner strength, and ultimately triumph over their circumstances.
The significance of the orphan archetype in Disney films is heightened when considered in light of its biblical and alchemical resonances. As we have seen, the Bible consistently emphasizes God's special concern for orphans and widows, and the alchemical tradition uses the symbol of the "orphan stone" to represent the potential for profound transformation. Disney's recurring use of this archetype, whether intentional or not, taps into a deep wellspring of symbolic meaning.
By portraying so many of its heroes as orphans, Disney not only reflects a common human experience but also invokes a powerful archetypal narrative. The orphan's journey from abandonment to belonging, from powerlessness to agency, mirrors the alchemical process of transformation and the biblical theme of divine protection and vindication. In this way, Disney's orphan protagonists become potent symbols of resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit.
You Must Become as Children : Innocence and Transformation
Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). This idea of childlikeness as a prerequisite for spiritual transformation is echoed in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, where only children can enter the magical realm. Both Jesus and Lewis seem to be pointing to a state of innocence, wonder, and openness that is necessary for profound change and growth.
This theme of becoming like children is deeply entwined with the orphan archetype. In fairy tales and myths, the orphan often represents a state of primal innocence and purity, untainted by the corrupting influences of society. This innocence, however, is not a mere naivety but a kind of openness to magic and transformation. The orphan, stripped of the usual social supports and constraints, is free to embark on a journey of self-discovery and metamorphosis.
From a psychological perspective, the orphan archetype represents the part of the psyche that feels abandoned, cast out, and alone. This sense of orphanhood is a universal human experience, reflecting the painful separation from the womb, the loss of childhood innocence, and the existential isolation of the individual. Yet it is precisely this experience of being an outsider that allows the orphan to question societal norms, to see with fresh eyes, and to undertake the hero's journey of transformation.
The resonance of the orphan theme with audiences is partly due to this universal psychological experience. We all know what it feels like to be alone, unsupported, and adrift. When we see an orphan hero on screen, like Cinderella or Harry Potter, we identify with their struggles and cheer for their triumph. Their journey from rags to riches, from obscurity to significance, mirrors our own deepest longings for transformation and belonging.
Cinderella Archetype: From Ashes to Royalty
The story of Cinderella, perhaps the most famous orphan tale of all, is a perfect example of this archetypal journey. Cinderella is a princess of royal blood who, through the machinations and jealousy of her wicked stepmother, has fallen on hard times. She is forced into rags and servitude, her true identity hidden beneath the ashes of the hearth.
This motif of the royal orphan reduced to poverty and servitude is a recurring one in fairy tales and myths. It reflects the alchemical idea of the "prima materia," the base and unrefined matter that is the starting point of the alchemical process. Just as the alchemist must first "orphan" or isolate the prima materia in order to begin the work of transformation, so too must the orphan hero be stripped of all external supports and identities in order to begin the journey of self-discovery.
Surprisingly, this theme of the orphaned princess has a biblical parallel. The Book of Lamentations mourns the fall of Jerusalem, personified as a princess who has become a slave: "She who was a princess among the provinces has become a forced labourer" (Lamentations 1:1). This image of the exiled and enslaved princess is a powerful one, reflecting the spiritual exile and degradation of the soul.
But just as Cinderella's story does not end in the ashes, neither does the biblical narrative end in exile. The orphan princess, through a process of divine intervention and inner transformation, is restored to her true royal identity. Cinderella, through the intervention of her fairy godmother and the transformative power of love, becomes once again a princess, radiantly clothed and reunited with her prince.
This archetypal journey from ashes to royalty, from orphanhood to belonging, is a deeply resonant one. It speaks to our own experiences of loss and degradation, and to our hopes for redemption and restoration. In the figure of the orphan princess, we see a reflection of our own noble origins and our potential for transformation, no matter how far we may have fallen.
"And They Lived Happily Ever After": The Alchemical Wedding and the Classic Disney Ending
No exploration of Disney's archetypal storytelling would be complete without addressing the iconic "happily ever after" ending. It's a hallmark of Disney's fairy tale adaptations, often culminating in a grand wedding and the promise of eternal love and happiness. While this ending has sometimes been mocked or dismissed as unrealistic, its roots go far deeper than mere sentimentality. The Disney ending, in fact, is a symbolic representation of one of the most profound concepts in alchemical thought: the alchemical wedding or coniunctio.
The alchemical wedding, also known as the sacred marriage or hieros gamos, represents the union of opposites, particularly the masculine and feminine principles. This concept is central to alchemical philosophy, which sees the universe as composed of polar opposites that must be reconciled and integrated in order for transformation to occur. The marriage of the king and queen, or the sun and moon, is a frequent motif in alchemical texts and illustrations, symbolizing the ultimate goal of the alchemical process: the achievement of wholeness, perfection, and enlightenment.
Carl Jung, in his extensive study of alchemical symbolism, recognized the psychological profundity of the coniunctio. In his book "Mysterium Coniunctionis," Jung wrote:
"The coniunctio is an a priori image that occupies a prominent place in the history of man's mental development. If we trace this idea back we find it has two sources in alchemy, one Christian and the other pagan. The Christian source is unmistakably the doctrine of Christ and the Church, sponsus and sponsa, where Christ takes on the role of Sol and the Church that of Luna."4
For Jung, the alchemical wedding represented the integration of the conscious and unconscious, the ego and the shadow, the animus and anima—all the opposing forces within the psyche. This integration, he believed, was necessary for the process of individuation, the becoming of the Self.
When we look at the typical Disney ending through this alchemical lens, its symbolic significance becomes clear. The wedding of the prince and princess, often after a long journey of trials and separation, is a perfect embodiment of the coniunctio. It represents the union of masculine and feminine, the reconciliation of opposites, and the achievement of wholeness.
Take, for example, the ending of "Cinderella." After being separated and tested, Cinderella and the Prince are finally united in marriage. This is not merely a romantic conclusion, but a symbolic one. Cinderella, who began the story in the ashes (a symbol of the nigredo stage in alchemy), has undergone a profound transformation. She has integrated her shadow (represented by her stepfamily), embraced her true identity, and united with her masculine counterpart. The wedding represents the culmination of her alchemical journey, the achievement of the coniunctio.
This pattern is repeated across numerous Disney films, from "Snow White" to "Sleeping Beauty" to "The Little Mermaid." The wedding finale, far from being a mere romantic cliché, is a powerful alchemical symbol representing the union of opposites and the achievement of wholeness.
Of course, as modern viewers, we may sometimes roll our eyes at the "happily ever after" trope. Life, we know, is rarely so simple or perfect. But perhaps this cynicism misses the deeper point. The Disney ending, in its allegorical way, is pointing to a profound psychological truth: the need for integration, for the reconciliation of opposites within ourselves. It's a symbolic representation of the journey towards wholeness that is the goal of both alchemy and depth psychology.
So the next time you watch a classic Disney film and arrive at the inevitable wedding scene, remember that you are witnessing more than just a fairy tale cliché. You are seeing the culmination of an ancient alchemical process, a symbolic representation of the path to wholeness that is the birth right and the challenge of every human soul. The "happily ever after" may not be literal, but it is deeply, profoundly true in the language of symbol and archetype that Disney's storytelling so powerfully employs.
Walt Disney: Modern Keeper of Ancient Wisdom
Walt Disney's role in preserving and popularizing fairy tales cannot be overstated. At a time when reading was beginning to decline and other forms of media were on the rise, Disney almost single-handedly ensured that these ancient, symbolically rich stories remained accessible to millions of children worldwide.
Disney's affinity for fairy tales was rooted in a deep understanding of their universal appeal and timeless wisdom. In a 1953 interview with the Saturday Evening Post, he explained:
"I think it's because these are stories that appeal to the emotions... They're timeless. They've lived for centuries. People of all ages respond to them."
This insight into the enduring power of fairy tales guided Disney's storytelling approach. He recognized that these stories, with their archetypal characters and symbolic journeys, spoke to something fundamental in the human psyche. By bringing them to life through animation, music, and masterful storytelling, Disney made these ancient tales newly relevant and engaging for modern audiences.
But Disney's commitment to fairy tales was about more than just entertainment. He believed that these stories had a crucial moral and educational role to play. In a 1956 interview with journalist Pete Martin, Disney discussed the influence of movies on young lives:
"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives... We've always tried to be consistent in our picture-making and ensure that there's always something positive in them. These old stories, like the fairy tales, help us do that."
For Disney, fairy tales were not just a source of timeless entertainment but also a means of moral education. He saw in these stories a way to impart positive values, to teach lessons about courage, kindness, and the triumph of good over evil. By adapting these tales for the screen, Disney was not just preserving a literary heritage but actively shaping the moral imagination of generations of children.
But Disney's use of symbolic storytelling was not limited to fairy tales. In the next section, we'll explore a less well-known but equally fascinating aspect of Disney's legacy: his wartime propaganda films. These films, created during World War II, demonstrate how Disney's mastery of archetypal symbolism could be used not just for entertainment and moral education, but for shaping public opinion and influencing the course of history. It's a complex and controversial part of the Disney story, but one that sheds important light on the power of myth and symbol in the modern world.
Disney's Wartime Propaganda: Weaponizing Symbols
During World War II, Disney's mastery of archetypal symbolism was not just used for entertainment and moral education, but also for shaping public opinion and influencing the course of history. From 1941 to 1945, approximately 90% of Disney's output was war-related, as the studio collaborated with the U.S. and Canadian governments to produce propaganda films that would promote the war effort, boost morale, and educate both soldiers and the general public.
Disney's wartime films covered a wide range of themes, from patriotism and support for the war effort to anti-Axis powers propaganda. They created films encouraging Americans to purchase war bonds, conserve resources, and understand the importance of their contributions. Educational films like "Victory Through Air Power" (1943) explained military strategies, while "Der Fuehrer's Face" (1943) famously satirized Nazi Germany, with Donald Duck in a nightmare where he lives under Nazi rule.
Disney worked with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) to produce propaganda and educational films aimed at supporting the Canadian war effort. "The Thrifty Pig" (1941), one of the earliest Disney wartime propaganda efforts, repurposed footage from "The Three Little Pigs" with a wartime twist. The wolf represented the Nazis, and the "thrifty pig" built a strong house out of Canadian war bonds, symbolizing the importance of financial support for the war effort.
Disney also created materials for Canada's Victory Loan campaigns, which encouraged Canadian citizens to purchase war bonds. Films and posters designed by Disney, featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, were used across the country to make war bonds more accessible and engaging.
The impact of Disney's wartime contributions was significant. Their films boosted public morale, making complex wartime messages accessible and relatable through the use of familiar and beloved characters. Disney's close collaboration with both the U.S. and Canadian governments solidified the studio's reputation as a key player in the war effort, helping to raise substantial funds and spread essential messages across North America.
Moreover, Disney's educational and instructional films had a lasting impact on the training of soldiers and the civilian population, particularly in Canada, where they played a role in health campaigns and military training programs.
This period in Disney's history demonstrates the power of symbolic storytelling to shape hearts and minds. The same archetypal themes and characters that made Disney's fairy tale adaptations so compelling were now being used to influence public opinion and mobilize support for the war effort.
The U.S. and Canadian governments clearly recognized the potential of Disney's storytelling to reach and influence the masses. By harnessing the emotional resonance of Disney's characters and the studio's mastery of visual narrative, these propaganda films were able to communicate complex political and social messages in a way that was accessible, engaging, and persuasive.
This wartime collaboration marks a significant moment in Disney's history, one that highlights the studio's role not just as an entertainer, but as a shaper of cultural narratives and public opinion. It's a testament to the power of the archetypal symbols and stories that Disney had so effectively brought to life, and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with such influential storytelling.
Trusting a Global Corporation with Alchemical Unconscious Signalling: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
As we've seen, Disney's mastery of archetypal symbolism and storytelling gives them an immense power to shape hearts and minds. This power was on full display during World War II, when Disney collaborated with the U.S. and Canadian governments to produce propaganda films that mobilized support for the war effort. But in the decades since, as Disney has grown into a global media empire, questions have arisen about the responsibility and potential risks that come with such influence.
Can we trust a global corporation, especially one with government connections, not to abuse the power of alchemical unconscious signalling? It's a question that might not have occurred to many of us thirty years ago, when Disney was a trusted presence in our homes, a reliable electronic babysitter. But in today's more cynical and media-savvy world, it's a concern that cannot be ignored.
To be clear, I'm not suggesting that Disney has ever intentionally used its storytelling to manipulate viewers. But the potential for such manipulation is undeniably present. The same techniques that make Disney's films so emotionally resonant and persuasive could, in theory, be used to influence audiences in more subversive ways.
There are unsettling parallels between the power of storytelling and the techniques used in mind control programs or religious indoctrination of the very young. The line between entertainment and manipulation can be thin, and some researchers have expressed concern that the "Disneyfication" of moral concepts like good and evil could lead children to adopt simplistic, black-and-white thinking.
Walt Disney himself made no secret of his view that films could and should be vehicles for education and moral instruction. And indeed, there is evidence to suggest that Disney's films are highly effective at fostering pro-social behaviours. One study found that children were more likely to help their friends after watching Disney films5, while another showed that Disney films contained seven times more examples of pro-social behaviour than other children's entertainment6.
Such a large disparity is unlikely to be accidental. It suggests that Disney is very aware of its power to influence young minds and is actively using that power to promote certain values and behaviours. While promoting kindness and helpfulness is certainly laudable, it does raise questions about the ethics of using archetypal symbolism and unconscious signalling to shape children's moral development.
As Disney's reach and influence continue to grow in the digital age, with streaming services and social media extending its presence into every aspect of our lives, these questions become even more pressing. What are the long-term effects of immersing ourselves and our children in Disney's symbolic world? How can we ensure that this power is used responsibly and transparently?
There are no easy answers, but the first step is awareness. By understanding the alchemical and psychological power of Disney's storytelling, we can engage with these narratives more critically and consciously. We can appreciate the artistry and emotional resonance of these films while also being mindful of their potential to shape our perceptions and beliefs.
Ultimately, the power of symbolic storytelling is neither good nor evil in itself. It is a tool, one that can be used to enlighten and inspire or to manipulate and control. As consumers and as a society, we have a responsibility to be vigilant, to hold media giants like Disney accountable, and to ensure that the stories we tell and the myths we create serve to empower and enrich our collective imagination, not to limit or control it.
In the final section, we'll consider what happens when Disney loses sight of the alchemical and archetypal roots of its storytelling, and what the future might hold for this modern mythmaking empire.
Disney's Current Struggles: Losing the Alchemical Plot
As we've explored throughout this essay, Disney's success has been built on a foundation of archetypal storytelling, a mastery of the symbolic language that speaks to our collective unconscious. But in recent years, there are signs that Disney may be losing touch with these alchemical roots.
One of the most noticeable trends in Disney's recent output is the endless retelling and reimagining of its classic stories. While some of these adaptations have been successful, others have faced criticism for changes that seem to detract from the original narrative's symbolic power. By altering key elements of these stories, Disney risks undermining the archetypal resonance that made them so compelling in the first place.
This issue goes beyond mere nostalgia or faithfulness to source material. When Disney fails to understand and respect the symbolic underpinnings of its own stories, it weakens the emotional and psychological impact of its storytelling. The result can be films that feel shallow or inauthentic, lacking the mythic depth that has traditionally been Disney's strength.
Moreover, when Disney prioritizes surface-level social messaging over archetypal storytelling, it can create a sense of discordance for the audience. The power of these stories lies in their ability to speak to universal human experiences and desires, transcending the boundaries of time, culture, and politics. When a Disney film feels like it's trying too hard to be relevant or push a particular agenda, it can break the spell of enchantment and alienate viewers who come to these stories seeking something more timeless and profound.
But it's not just Disney that has changed; the audience has evolved as well. In our increasingly cynical and divided world, the innocent wonder and universal appeal that once defined Disney's brand can sometimes feel out of step with the zeitgeist. As audiences become more fragmented and polarized, it becomes harder for any one story or message to resonate across the cultural spectrum.
This is a challenge that strikes at the very heart of Disney's mythology. The magic of Disney has always been its ability to bring people together, to create a shared imaginative space where the old and young, rich and poor, conservative and liberal could all find something to delight and inspire them. If Disney loses that universality, it risks losing the very thing that made it such a powerful cultural force.
To navigate these challenges, Disney must re-engage with the alchemical and psychological roots of its storytelling. This doesn't mean blindly adhering to the past or ignoring the evolving social landscape. Rather, it means approaching these ancient stories and symbols with a deep respect and understanding, and finding ways to make their timeless themes resonate with the unique struggles and aspirations of our time.
As we conclude this exploration of Disney's alchemical legacy, let us take a moment to appreciate the magic and wonder that these stories have brought into our lives. But let us also take up the challenge of becoming alchemists of our own stories—of using the power of myth and symbolism to transform ourselves and our world.
The enchantment of storytelling is not just a childhood fancy; it is a lifelong journey of discovery and growth. And as we step forward on this path, let us remember that the real magic kingdom lies not in any one company or franchise, but in the boundless realm of the imagination itself. It is a kingdom to which we all hold the key, if only we have the courage and the wisdom to use it.
In my next essay, I'll be delving deeper into the alchemical concept of the opposites, exploring how this fundamental principle can help us to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our own transformative journeys. By understanding how to recognize and work with the polarities within ourselves and our world, we can tap into the same sources of creative energy and wisdom that have fuelled great storytelling for centuries.
John
Jung, Carl. Psychology and Alchemy (Collected Works, Vol. 12). Princeton University Press, 1980.
Jung, Carl. Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self (Collected Works, Vol. 9, Part II). Princeton University Press, 1959.
Jung, Carl. Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self (Collected Works, Vol. 9, Part II). Princeton University Press, 1959.
Jung, Carl. Mysterium Coniunctionis (Collected Works, Vol. 14). Princeton University Press, 1970
Van der Laan, Christa. A, & de Leeuw, Rebecca N. H, (2017) ‘Helping Behaviour in Disney animated movies and children’s helping behaviour in the Netherlands’ Journal of Children and Media, Volume 12, 2018-Issue 2
Coyne, Sarah M, (2013) ‘Is Disney The Nicest Place On Earth? A Content Analysis of Prosocial Behaviour in Animated Disney Films’ www.academia.edu retrieved 29.01.24
I'm currently in the biblical section and just finished the Jesus paragraph. You may still cover this, but before I forget to say anything, the first thing to come to mind when you described the orphan stone was the OT prophecy applied to Jesus: the stone that was rejected has become the chief corner stone.