EPISODE · Nov 14, 2025 · 23 MIN
S1E2 - The Handless Maiden: Medicine for Transformation Through Loss
from Story Medicine · host Joe Summerfield
In this episode of Story Medicine, we explore "The Handless Maiden" from the Grimm Brothers' collection - a classic tale about loss, agency, and what can grow back through grief.A young woman loses her hands because of her father's bargain with the devil. She walks away from everything familiar, receives silver hands from a king who loves her, but ultimately discovers that what was cut off can only grow back through tears and time in the wilderness.This story speaks to anyone who has felt capable but somehow powerless, anyone carrying the cost of someone else's bargains or patterns, or anyone who's been given coping mechanisms that work but aren't quite real.The episode includes the complete story told in full, depth psychology analysis revealing the archetypal patterns and symbolic meaning, and three practical integration exercises to help you embody the medicine.Send us Fan MailSupport the showLearn more about Joe's therapeutic work: www.joesummerfield.co.uk Connect on Instagram: @joe.therapiesRegister your interest in the online Story Medicine Circle: www.joesummerfield.co.uk/story-medicine-podcast
What this episode covers
In this episode of Story Medicine, we explore "The Handless Maiden" from the Grimm Brothers' collection - a classic tale about loss, agency, and what can grow back through grief. A young woman loses her hands because of her father's bargain with the devil. She walks away from everything familiar, receives silver hands from a king who loves her, but ultimately discovers that what was cut off can only grow back through tears and time in the wilderness. This story speaks to anyone who has felt c...
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S1E2 - The Handless Maiden: Medicine for Transformation Through Loss
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