Why is the youngest in folklore is often the winner?

Question

I really need help because my report is due Friday. Would anybody help me? This is my essential question.

Answer 1

Because the youngest doesn't have the birthright of the oldest sibling or the experience and diplomacy of a middle sibling.

Youngest sibs are inexperienced but usually enjoy trying new things. They're fresh and not as jaded as the older sibs.

Youngest sibs SHOULD have the least power. In a way, they do. But they make up for it by being resourceful, plucky, and courageous.

My favorite youngest sibling story is Joseph, in the Old Testament in the Bible. That poor kid got sold into slavery by his a sshole brothers, who were jealous of him, but he was a good guy, persevered, and he was nice to them when he finally got the respect and money and power.

Plus, he interprets dreams--always cool.

Answer 2

I read this in the book The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim, or I may have read it elsewhere.

Three is a magic number. Usually in fairy tales there are three brothers or three sisters, with the youngest being the hero. However, the three really stand for the father, the mother, and the baby. Everyone has been a baby or child with two parents (even if they have lost a parent or two), so everyone can identify with the baby. Also, everyone knows what it's like to be one of the smallest people in the room with all those giant adults.

That is why the hero in the fairy or folk tale is the youngest.

There are exceptions. I believe the smart pig in The Three Little Pigs is the oldest.

Answer 3

Narrative casuality.