Book Project

Preface

Written by Shawn Casler

The following is a compilation of some of the finest stories written by the infamous Brothers Grimm. The fairy tales we have come to know today have stemmed from the original writings of Jakob Ludwig Carl Grimm and Wilhelm Karl Grimm. Many of their tales are seldom heard of, while others are world renown. However, these tales are not what the world perceives. Their stories contain a sort of “grim” ending for its characters. Happily ever after was never a concern for the Brothers Grimm. Their tales are ones filled with irony, twists, and dismal fates for those involved.

These stories contain classics such as legendary Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel. However, there are quite a few that never made front page in the children’s stories of today. These stories are less qualified to fit as “fairy tales” since their demeanor and all around themes are far from “happily ever after” or even cheerful at all. These stories include such titles as The Twelve Brothers, The Riddle, Godfather Death, and The Devil's Sooty Brother. Such tales would stimulate nightmares and such within the youth of today. However, as each story comes to a close, there are typically lessons to be learned ~ “typically” being the key word. As I said before, these are tales of grim events. After reading each story, you may learn something, or you may just become befuddled.

So how willing are you to become part of this adventure? Will you become a slave of the Devil? Or maybe cut off your big toe to become a princess with all the riches and fame imaginable? Ha, didn’t think so…Well, the characters throughout this book will do what it takes for their happily ever after. Did I get your attention yet? No? I shall continue then.

Poisonous apples, talking wolves, evil stepmothers and sisters, devilish tricks, enchanted sleep, giants and beanstalks, edible houses, little elves, mounds of gold beyond your wildest dreams, Prince Charming, and wondrous lands full of magical exc!tement. Hmm, well if that didn’t grab your attention, then really, just go and pick out a random boring novel that will just shrivel up your spirit into something like an old bean sprout. And for those of you who are interested in the enchanted tales of the Brothers Grimm, please, keep reading. It’s about to get to the good stuff…well a bit more boring, then a little more boring, and then you will pass through the gateway into pure imagination.

Within each story, there contains a trace of royalties or peasants, personification, and good or evil. The times that the stories originated from included many middle class people. The people did not have much money, but many knew a trade that would help their family survive. This is why the many stories speak of gold, riches, castles, princes, and luxuries beyond belief. These were all dreams of the people that were hard to come by in those days unless one was born into royalty. So, in these fairy tales, several characters are tempted by greed, and take the shortcuts in life to get what they deeply desire. Nevertheless, numerous amounts of these stories end in tragedy for the claimer of the riches.

This is one of the central purposes within the writings of the Brothers Grimm. Not only are their stories entertaining, but they all (well, almost all) serve a purpose. They teach valuable lessons and morals to the younger generation through the enjoyment of reading fantasy stories. Nobody ever said that all entertainment has to be non-educational. This will stretch your imagination and your thoughts, bring new words to life, and illustrate precious messages. If all else fails, you may get a giggle or two from these unique tales. Either way, this is the book that every child wants to have, and every adult wished they did.

The tales you are about to read date back to as early as 1857, and still thrive throughout our society. All of us have a child inside, whether we let him/her out often or not. These stories will take us through lands that can only be accessed through those imaginations that know no bounds and do not see limitations to their worlds. Sit back and get lost once again in the childhood that seldom sees the world as it once did. Let your imagination take the best of you.

And now it begins as every tale does…

Once Upon a Time…