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3. Flora:    “The road to true love may be barriered by still many more dangers, which you alone will have to face. So arm thyself with this enchanted Shield of Virtue, and this mighty Sword of Truth, for these Weapons of Righteousness will triumph over evil.”

Flora gives her cautionary advice just after the fairies free Phillip from his chains in Maleficent’s dungeon, and just before his Dante-esque journey through the tribulations created by the resistance of evil. The quote exemplifies a somewhat inconsistent morality inherent in the fairy tale. Although Prince Phillip is pure, innocent, noble, and brave, the fairies personally arm him like a warrior with the implicit final goal of murdering Maleficent. Couching the Prince’s quest within these ominous statements, Flora reassures him that any violence he may have to commit is natural. Violence becomes a duty, a right, partof his goodness rather than contrary to it. Officially blessed, he takes his Weapons of Righteousness and runs headlong into battle with Evil. Though Flora suggests that the Prince must face this noble challenge alone, the Prince doesn’t overcome any obstacle without the aid of the fairies. Repeatedly, the fairies modestly minimize their own roles in the success of the Prince’s quest, which shifts more focus onto the Prince’s individual heroism.

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