The stepmother and stepsisters represent the underdeveloped but provocatively cruel elements of the psyche.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés

I am reminded that I am not only the protagonist in the myth or tale,
I am also the antagonist;
When I am accepting of this, when I humble myself,
I am able to continue the journey and I am changed on the way.

*Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ Women Who Run With the Wolves; from the Russian tale, Vasalisa the Beautiful.