The article studies in three steps how the fairy tale articulates its normative content and what the educational consequence of this kind of communication is. First, the articulation of normativity in fictional literature in general is discussed. Second, the specific mode in which the fairy tale articulates its normativity is studied according to eastern European formalism. Finally, the Norwegian wonder tale "The Master Maid" is analyzed and educational consequences are discussed. The analysis of the tale finds three levels of communication: The level of art, the level of rite and myth, and the level of play and game. These levels seem to interact in the reception. While the level of myth and rite lends emotional depth to the normative reflection, the level of play and game adds light-heartedness and joyful suspense. The tension between these appears to open the artistic level for moral reflection.