Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film

by Holly Bellebuono, Jack Zipes (Foreword by)

Overview

Once Upon a Place explores narratives from modern film, famous fairy tales, and ancient mythology to define the five core locations that shape every story: the Cavern, the Deep, the Vessel, the Forest, and the Labyrinth.

Popularized by Joseph Campbell, the hero's journey features narrative stages along which a person matures and transforms. But where heroes transform is just as important as what they do to get there. Holly Bellebuono shows you how the location of each hero's journey step is intimately tied to the challenges faced, setting the tone for the entire adventure.

To illustrate each location, Bellebuono shares fifteen original adaptations—such as the tales of Persephone, Gilgamesh, Cerridwen, and Alice—to explore how the "sense of place" drives the adventure and outcome. From Innana's descent into the Cavern to Snow White entering the Forest, this book offers powerful wisdom about personal growth, life's purpose, and the origins of creativity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738779966
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	03/08/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	28 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Holly Bellebuono (Massachusetts) is an entrepreneur and herbalist of 30 years. Through courses, workshops, and retreats, she guides people to think creatively about success, business, healing, and purpose. Visit her at HollyBellebuono.com.

Jack Zipes is a literary scholar and author. He is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of German, Nordic, Slavic, and Dutch at the University of Minnesota. He is known for his work on fairy tales, folklore, critical theory, 20th century literature, German literature, German Jewish culture and the political and cultural significance of the Brothers Grimm tales. He has authored, co-authored and edited 69 books. Among his honors are the Guggenheim Fellowship, the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts Distinguished Scholar Award, and the National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship. Zipes is also a Fellow of the American Folklore Society and the International Research Society for Children's Literature (IRSCL).

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Table of Contents

Contents

Story Adaptations from Around the World xv

Foreword: Exploring the Deep Meaning of Storytelling xvii

Introduction: There's More to the Story Than You Know: Myth, Fairy Tale, and Film 1

Part I: The Three Core Concepts Essential to Every Journey
Chapter 1: Descent and Resurrection 15
Chapter 2: Chaos and Void 25
Chapter 3: The Beast and the Guide 35

Part II: The Locations of the World Journey
Chapter 4: The Cavern: Descending to Find Change 61
Chapter 5: The Deep: Into and Across Water 81
Chapter 6: The Vessel: Resurrection, Reflection, and Rebirth 103
Chapter 7: The Forest: Creative Expression and Potential 121
Chapter 8: The Labyrinth: Tangled Webs of Time and Truth 143

Epilogue: Failure and Success on the World Journey 159

Book Group Resource 167

Films and Books Referenced 171

Bibliography 173

Index 181

About the Author 187

Editorial Reviews

"Once Upon a Place rediscovers the essence of myths, fairy tales, and films by connecting them to our basic wishes, needs, and struggles. . . . In short, Holly Bellebuono's book is a real adventure, which offers hope that storytelling can do more than amuse us—that it can also indicate ways to live with compassion and courage."
—Jack Zipes, from the foreword

"Bellebuono's deep curiosity and passion for exploring the feminine herbalist healer throughout time and around the world has resulted in this mystical and marvelous collection of stories, myth, and fairy tale insights that challenge us on the seeker's journey."
—Carol Bedrosian, publisher of Spirit of Change Magazine Online

"An elaborate and refreshing revisitation of ancient stories as well as modern ones. Holly draws from nearly every cultural myth and legend. From Gilgamesh to Alice in Wonderland, Baba Yaga, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and many others. This study offers a categorical dissection and definition of the various symbols encountered in tales about journeying from curiosity, facing fear and that experience leading to learned wisdom and transcendence. I truly enjoyed this read."
—Lata Chettri-Kennedy, founder of Flower Power Herbs and Roots, Inc. (FlowerPower.net)

"Informed by a plethora of narratives from ancient mythology to modern film, from fairy tales to contemporary children's books, from fantasy to coming-of-age stories, award-winning author, herbalist, and international speaker Holly Bellebuono identifies five specific locations pivotal to the hero's or heroine's quest and explores their symbolic meanings against the backdrop of World Journeys. Once Upon a Place offers intriguing insights into the significance of the Cavern, the Deep, the Vessel, the Forest, and the Labyrinth as symbolic spaces for personal challenge and transformation. Eloquently written, this book is bound to appeal to a wide range of audiences and should be a must for any college library."
—Susanne Even, PhD, professor of German at Indiana University and co-editor of SCENARIO Journal

"Once Upon a Place captures the magic elements shared in ancient myths and fairy tales as well as in modern stories told on 'the big screen.' As an exhibitor of films, I seek to provide audiences with the context they need to view, appreciate, and enjoy films and to learn from them to enhance their human experience. Bellebuono's book provides this context with great insights into story-craft, symbolism and imagery, especially what she identifies as the five locations of the hero's journey. It's a book for every aspiring writer and film enthusiast.
—Richard Paradise, founder of Martha's Vineyard Film Society

"Well-known herbalist, writer, teacher, coach, and wise woman Holly Bellebuono explores the magical imagery of folk story and myth in her new book Once Upon a Place. Two ideas featured at the heart of this book are at the core of all quest stories: the Abyss and the World Journey. For women searching to gain knowledge and growth, this book explores these myths in a way that is personal, transformative, and genuine. Recommended."
—Anne Newkirk Niven, editor and publisher of SageWoman magazine

"Bellebuono uses the concept of the World Journey to present classic themes and topics of self-discovery in a new light. Through the timeless avenue of story, readers can explore the significance of location and the transformative power each setting holds. Whether revisiting familiar tales or discovering new ones, a hands-on discussion guide helps readers put into practice the wisdom learned along the way. A truly transcendent experience!"
—Ember Grant, author of Mythology for a Magical Life

From the Publisher