Fairy Tales as Literature of Literature: The "Kinder- und Hausmarchen" by the Brothers Grimm

The Brothers Grimm's fairy tales are examined as literature, revealing their literary origin and character through model studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG

In this comprehensive study, the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales are approached as literary works, transcending their traditional categorization as mere folk tales. By delving into the history of their creation and transformation, it becomes evident how these tales underwent a remarkable process of re-declaration and transformation through the editing efforts of Wilhelm Grimm. Through a series of model studies, including "Rapunzel," "Jorinde und Joringel," and "Der Jude im Dorn," it is demonstrated that the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales, contrary to their conventional perception, possess literary origins and exhibit literary characteristics of their own.

The brothers Grimm, renowned for their collection of fairy tales, embarked on a journey to preserve and disseminate the rich oral traditions of their culture. Their meticulous research and dedication resulted in the publication of the first edition of "Children's and Household Tales" in 1812. This collection, which included tales such as "Cinderella," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Rapunzel," marked a significant milestone in the realm of children's literature.

However, it was not until the second edition of "Children's and Household Tales" in 1815 that the brothers Grimm fully embraced their role as literary artists. They introduced a new editorial approach, emphasizing the literary value and aesthetic appeal of the fairy tales. They revised and refined the stories, removing any elements that were considered inappropriate or crude, while also adding their own creative touches and interpretations.

One of the key aspects of the brothers Grimm's editing process was their emphasis on the narrative structure and character development. They recognized the importance of a well-crafted story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and they worked to enhance the depth and complexity of the characters. They added layers of meaning and symbolism to the tales, making them more engaging and thought-provoking for readers of all ages.

Through their meticulous editing, the brothers Grimm transformed the traditional folk tales into well-known fairy tale narratives that have captured the hearts of generations. Their tales have been translated into numerous languages and have been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and books.

In conclusion, the brothers Grimm's fairy tales are not just mere folk tales but are literary works of immense significance. Through their creative editing and re-declaration of the traditional stories, they have created timeless classics that have resonated with audiences around the world. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence writers, artists, and storytellers, reminding us of the power of the power of storytelling to transport us to new worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on our lives.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783662659991
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022