She points out that in Hindu belief , a thumb-sized being known as the innermost self or soul dwells in the heart of all beings , human or animal , and that the concept may have migrated to European folklore and taken form as Tom Thumb and Thumbelina , both of whom seek transfiguration and redemption .
Tatar points out that in Hindu belief , a thumb-sized being known as the innermost self or soul dwells in the heart of all beings , human or animal . This concept may have absorbed by European folklore , then taken form as Tom Thumb and Thumbelina .