This unique book impressively illustrates how the mother complex
functions both in the world and in the human psyche. On the basis
of classic fairy tales - Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping
Beauty and others - the positive and negative aspects of the mother
complex are described and provided with context. This is the first publication in English of this
material in its original unabridged form.

"This book ... compares processes in the unconscious with mythic images in fairy tales in order to bring
clarity to what is obscure. It is the distillation of many years of experience and concern with psychic
issues and ... [offers] both men and women an illuminating perspective on their personal problems
... For many it will serve to bring light in to the dark area so full of vague promise and peril, which
confronts us again and again from the 'realm of the mothers.'
- From the Foreword by Marie-Louise von Franz

Sybille Birkhäuser-Oeri was a prominent Jungian analyst in Basel until her death in 1971.
She was the wife of painter-illustrator Peter Birkhäuser.