1. According to the tales in Tales from Silver Lands, what is the source of evil in the world, and why does it exist? Will evil last forever? Is there any hope that good will ultimately overcome evil? Why or why not?

2. Many of the tales in this book tell how characters are put to tests or challenges. Compare the types of tests with the manner in which these challenges are faced. Why do you think tests are such a common part of folktales? How do the tests described in Tales from Silver Lands compare to challenges found in other well-known folktales and fairy tales?

3. Using the descriptions found in these tales, describe what Finger might consider a "perfect" world. Do you think such a world is a possibility? Why or why not? How does his image of a perfect world...