20 Dec 2022
On This Day
20 December 2022 Cheryl

20 December 1812: Grimm’s Fairy Tales is first published

Grimms Fairy Tales

One of the most prolific storytellers to provide the Grimm brothers with their tales was Dortchen Wild. With roughly forty stories told to the Grimms just by one woman, Dortchen brought some of the most famous tales including The Frog King, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and Hansel and Gretel. After being involved with the Grimms for many years of sharing stories, Dortchen would also marry Wilhelm Grimm. [1]

The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, are renowned for their collection of folktales that have enchanted readers for generations. The publication of Grimm’s Fairy Tales on 20 December 1812 was a culmination of years of research.

Born in Hanau, Germany, in the late 18th century, the brothers devoted their lives to the study of folklore and the preservation of traditional stories. Their interest in folk narratives was sparked during their early childhood, as their father shared with them various tales and legends. This early exposure laid the foundation for their work as collectors and editors of folktales.

The process of collecting these tales involved extensive fieldwork. The brothers travelled throughout the German-speaking regions, meeting storytellers and recording their narratives. They meticulously documented each story, aiming to capture the authentic voices of the storytellers. This dedication to authenticity set their work apart, as they aimed to present the tales as they were told, without excessive embellishment. The narratives initially gathered are characterized by their brusqueness, bluntness, absurdity, humour, and tragedy. Strictly speaking, these are not conventional “fairy tales,” and the Grimms never intended them for a juvenile audience.

Their first collection, Children’s and Household Tales, contained 86 stories including timeless classics such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel. The brothers continued to expand and refine their collection over the years, releasing seven subsequent editions until 1857 with additional tales and revisions.

Despite the enduring popularity of their fairy tales, the Brothers Grimm faced criticism for the ugly and sometimes violent nature of their stories. However, they believed that these elements were essential to the preservation of the tales’ authenticity, reflecting the harsh realities of the time in which they were collected. The Brothers Grimm’s dedication to folklore and storytelling has left an indelible mark on world literature, and their tales continue to captivate and resonate with audiences of all ages. Grimm’s Fairy Tales is listed by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Registry.

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