Selected Tales

The folktales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are among the most memorable stories in European culture - conjuring up a world of spells and bewitchment, outwitted villains and cruel stepmothers, animal bridegrooms and enchanted princesses. Tales such as Hansel and Gretel and The Robber Bridegroom depict the dangers lurking in dark forests, and others, including Briar-Rose and Snowwhite, show young beauties punished by unforgiving sorceresses. Other tales include Thickasathumb, which portrays a childless couple whose wish for a baby is granted in an unexpected way, while The Frog King tells of a rash promise made by a haughty princess to share her bed with a frog, and a fortune is won in The Blue Lamp, in which a soldier gains a kingdom with the help of a magic lamp.