Unveiling The Brothers Grimm: The Untold Story Behind Their Fairy Tales

Wilhelm Grimm and his older brother Jacob studied German folklore and oral traditions, publishing a collection of stories eventually known as Grimms’ Fairy Tales which includes narratives like Briar Rose and Little Red Riding Hood. Several of the brothers' tales have been adapted into successful TV shows and movies. However, many people are unaware of the fascinating history and the challenges the brothers faced while compiling these iconic stories. Their contributions to literature extend far beyond mere storytelling; they played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore five intriguing facts about the Brothers Grimm that you may not have known!

Throughout their careers, the Grimms were not only storytellers but also dedicated scholars. They were driven by a passion for preserving the oral traditions of their time, which were at risk of being forgotten. This drive led them to gather tales from various sources, bringing a wealth of cultural knowledge to the written word.

As we delve deeper into their lives, you'll discover the true essence of their work and the surprising truths behind the beloved stories we cherish today. So, let's uncover the hidden gems of the Brothers Grimm's legacy!

The Brothers Grimm Didn’t Write the Fairy Tales

Despite the fact that Jacob and Wilhelm are often associated with Snow White and Rapunzel, the brothers didn’t actually write any of those stories. In fact, the stories existed long before the two men were born in Germany in the mid-1780s. The fairy tales were part of a rich oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation, often by women seeking to pass the time during household chores.

As industrialization took root, local traditions changed, and scholars like Jacob and Wilhelm began a quest to save the stories from extinction. They interviewed relatives and friends, collecting whatever tales they could, sometimes embellishing them (although they insisted they did not). In 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm published the stories as part of a collection titled Nursery and Household Tales, now referred to as Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

The Stories Were Not Intended for Kids

Originally, Grimm’s Fairy Tales were not meant for children. The stories routinely included sex, violence, incest, and copious footnotes. Worse yet, they didn’t even have illustrations. Initially aimed at adults, the early editions of Nursery and Household Tales contained remarkably dark elements.

For instance, in its original version, Rapunzel becomes pregnant by the prince after a casual fling. In Cinderella, the stepsisters cut off their toes and heels to try to fit into the slipper. These sorts of scenes were eventually revised once the stories became popular among children.

Jacob and Wilhelm Faced Deportation and Bankruptcy

In 1830, King Ernest Augustus demanded oaths of allegiance from all professors in Gottingen, a university city where Jacob and Wilhelm taught Germanic studies. The brothers refused to pledge to the king and, along with five other professors, the “Gottingen Seven,” were made to leave the city.

Jobless and branded as political dissidents, the brothers were forced to borrow money from friends as they worked on their story collection. Their determination to preserve folklore despite these challenges showcases their commitment to their work.

"Grimm’s Fairy Tales" Was a Publishing Blockbuster

The Grimm’s collection of fairy tales was in its 7th edition when Wilhelm died in 1859. By that point, the collection had grown to 211 stories and included intricate illustrations. Jacob, who had lived with Wilhelm and his wife, died in 1863. According to biographers, Jacob was deeply distraught after the death of his brother, with whom he had held a close bond throughout his life.

Some claim their collection has only been outsold by Shakespeare and the Bible, highlighting its immense popularity and cultural significance. The tales have become an integral part of global literature.

The Grimms Worked on More Than Fairy Tales

University-trained philologists and librarians, Jacob and Wilhelm published more than just fairy tales. They wrote books about mythology and published scholarly works on linguistics and medieval studies. Their scholarly contributions extend beyond storytelling, reflecting their expansive knowledge.

They also worked on compiling an ambitious German dictionary, although both brothers died before they were able to finish the entry for the letter F. This aspect of their work emphasizes their commitment to language and scholarship, making their impact on literature even more profound.