The opinion is expressed that fairy tales can help clarify issues about unconscious intrapsychic conflicts. Tales as Cinderella and Catskin throw light on a defensive manoeuver that is used by some women to ward off dangers that are related to the Oedipuscomplex. The defense against 'penetration-anxiety' in women who belong to the Cinderella- Catskin type is a tendency to hide their attractiveness and to retreat into a corner where they are not noticed. Originally this defense is used against the father, later on it is directed against all men and against the patriarchal society. Implications of this defense for attempts to change this society are described.