Earliest Known Versions - or "The Golden Rule"

Since the tale was originally a folk tale, spread from this person to that village to this city and on to another country by travelers, determining the exact origin of the tale is no easy task.  One can easily imagine a mother brushing the hair of her daughter, after a particularly long day of sibling squabbling, and relating a tale of how the kind girl is rewarded and the unkind girl is not. 

The very heart of the tale seems to be the maxim treat other people the way you, yourself would like to be treated.  And 'do unto others' ... is a concept that is essentially found in every culture. Confucius (551–479 BC) said "Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself." And Buddha (c. 623 - c. 543 BC) also stated, “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”  Jesus (4 BC - 33 AD) turned the rule into a more positive action - "Do to others what you want them to do to you,” rather than an admonition to restrain from negative activities that hurt another. But all versions have one aspect in common: treat others in a manner in which you yourself would like to be treated or, more simply stated, be kind.

Interestingly, I just read a book today that also expresses these same themes.  It is "Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy" by Karen Foxlee, an Australian author.  It is built around the fairy tale of the Snow Queen, which is rapidly becoming another favorite of mine.  Not because of "Frozen" but rather "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu.  If you have read  and enjoyed "Breadcrumbs", then I would recommend "Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy".  When Ophelia reads the instructions passed down by the Great Wizards to the Marvelous Boy, she learns that she should: 

Be kind to everyone whom you meet along the way, and things will be well.

Kindness is far stronger than any cruelty.

Always extend your hand in friendship.

Be patient.

You may feel alone, but there will always be people who will help you along the way.

Never, ever give up.

One of my favorite quotes from the book: "The trouble with magic was that it was messy and dangerous and filled with longing.  There were too many moments that made your heart stop and ache and start again."

If you read it, let me know what you think!  Tomorrow we look at some of the earliest written versions of the tale.