How can this be, this great magic, that makes real the unreal, the not-actual into a kind of factless fictual, turns lies into the True? Don't ask me, for I am new at this work, new at telling my own truth. All I can start with is Once Upon A Time, that oldest and truest of lies.
In Jane Yolen's "Finding Baba Yaga," the narrator grapples with the concept of storytelling and its power to transform the unreal into a semblance of truth. The quote reflects on the enchanting nature of magic in narratives, which can shift perceptions of reality and blur the line between fact and fiction. It suggests an awe for the process of creation, underscoring the charm of traditional tales that convey deeper truths through their fantastical elements.
The narrator admits to being inexperienced in conveying personal truths, suggesting that storytelling often begins with a familiar phrase like "Once Upon A Time." This phrase serves as a gateway into the imaginative realm where stories thrive, encapsulating the essence of myth-making and the enchanting allure of folklore. Through this lens, Yolen invites readers to explore the tensions between reality and fiction while discovering their own narrative journeys.
