Iron John - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 23 min

There was once on a time a King who had a great forest near his palace, full of all kinds of wild animals. One day he sent out a huntsman to shoot him a roe, but he did not come back. „Perhaps some accident has befallen him,“ said the King, and the next day he sent out two more huntsmen who were to search for him, but they too stayed away. Then on the third day, he sent for all his huntsmen, and said, „Scour the whole forest through, and do not give up until ye have found all three.“ But of these also, none came home again, and of the pack of hounds which they had taken with them, none were seen more. From that time forth, no one would any longer venture into the forest, and it lay there in deep stillness and solitude, and nothing was seen of it, but sometimes an eagle or a hawk flying over it. This lasted for many years, when a strange huntsman announced himself to the King as seeking a situation, and offered to go into the dangerous forest. The King, however, would not give his consent, and said, „It is not safe in there. I fear it would fare with thee no better than with the others, and thou wouldst never come out again.“ The huntsman replied, „Lord, I will venture it at my own risk, of fear I know nothing.“

The huntsman therefore betook himself with his dog to the forest. It was not long before the dog fell in with some game on the way, and wanted to pursue it; but hardly had the dog run two steps when it stood before a deep pool, could go no farther, and a naked arm stretched itself out of the water, seized it, and drew it under, When the huntsman saw that, he went back and fetched three men to come with buckets and bale out the water. When they could see to the bottom there lay a wild man whose body was brown like rusty iron, and whose hair hung over his face down to his knees. They bound him with cords, and led him away to the castle. There was great astonishment over the wild man. The King, however, had him put in an iron cage in his court-yard, and forbade the door to be opened on pain of death, and the Queen herself was to take the key into her keeping. And from this time forth every one could again go into the forest with safety.

The King had a son of eight years, who was once playing in the court-yard, and while he was playing, his golden ball fell into the cage. The boy ran thither and said, „Give me my ball out.“ – „Not till thou hast opened the door for me,“ answered the man. „No,“ said the boy, „I will not do that. The King has forbidden it,“ and ran away. The next day he again went and asked for his ball. The wild man said, „Open my door,“ but the boy would not. On the third day the King had ridden out hunting, and the boy went once more and said, „I cannot open the door even if I wished, for I have not the key.“ Then the wild man said, „It lies under thy mother’s pillow, thou canst get it there.“ The boy, who wanted to have his ball back, cast all thought to the winds, and brought the key. The door opened with difficulty, and the boy pinched his fingers. When it was open the wild man stepped out, gave him the golden ball, and hurried away. The boy had become afraid. He called and cried after him, „Oh, wild man, do not go away, or I shall be beaten!“ The wild man turned back, took him up, set him on his shoulder, and went with hasty steps into the forest. When the King came home, he observed the empty cage, and asked the Queen how that had happened? She knew nothing about it, and sought the key, but it was gone. She called the boy, but no one answered. The King sent out people to seek for him in the fields, but they did not find him. Then he could easily guess what had happened, and much grief reigned in the royal court.

When the wild man had once more reached the dark forest, he took the boy down from his shoulder, and said to him, „Thou wilt never see thy father and mother again, but I will keep thee with me, for thou hast set me free, and I have compassion on thee. If thou dost all I bid thee, thou shalt fare well. Of treasure and gold have I enough, and more than anyone in the world.“ He made a bed of moss for the boy on which he slept, and the next morning the man took him to a well, and said, „Behold, the gold well is as bright and clear as crystal, thou shalt sit beside it, and take care that nothing falls into it, or it will be polluted. I will come every evening to see if thou hast obeyed my order.“ The boy placed himself by the margin of the well, and often saw a golden fish or a golden snake show itself therein, and took care that nothing fell in. As he was thus sitting, his finger hurt him so violently that he involuntarily put it in the water. He drew it quickly out again, but saw that it was quite gilded, and whatsoever pains he took to wash the gold off again, all was to no purpose. In the evening Iron John came back, looked at the boy, and said, „What has happened to the well?“ – „Nothing, nothing,“ he answered, and held his finger behind his back, that the man might not see it. But he said, „Thou hast dipped thy finger into the water, this time it may pass, but take care thou dost not again let anything go in.“ By daybreak the boy was already sitting by the well and watching it. His finger hurt him again and he passed it over his head, and then unhappily a hair fell down into the well. He took it quickly out, but it was already quite gilded. Iron John came, and already knew what had happened. „Thou hast let a hair fall into the well,“ said he. „I will allow thee to watch by it once more, but if this happens for the third time then the well is polluted, and thou canst no longer remain with me.“

On the third day, the boy sat by the well, and did not stir his finger, however much it hurt him. But the time was long to him, and he looked at the reflection of his face on the surface of the water. And as he still bent down more and more while he was doing so, and trying to look straight into the eyes, his long hair fell down from his shoulders into the water. He raised himself up quickly, but the whole of the hair of his head was already golden and shone like the sun. You may imagine how terrified the poor boy was! He took his pocket-handkerchief and tied it round his head, in order that the man might not see it. When he came he already knew everything, and said, „Take the handkerchief off.“ Then the golden hair streamed forth, and let the boy excuse himself as he might, it was of no use. „Thou hast not stood the trial, and canst stay here no longer. Go forth into the world, there thou wilt learn what poverty is. But as thou hast not a bad heart, and as I mean well by thee, there is one thing I will grant thee. If thou fallest into any difficulty, come to the forest and cry, „Iron John,“ and then I will come and help thee. My power is great, greater than thou thinkest, and I have gold and silver in abundance.“

Then the King’s son left the forest, and walked by beaten and unbeaten paths ever onwards until at length he reached a great city. There he looked for work, but could find none, and he had learnt nothing by which he could help himself. At length he went to the palace, and asked if they would take him in. The people about court did not at all know what use they could make of him, but they liked him, and told him to stay. At length the cook took him into his service, and said he might carry wood and water, and rake the cinders together. Once when it so happened that no one else was at hand, the cook ordered him to carry the food to the royal table, but as he did not like to let his golden hair be seen, he kept his little cap on. Such a thing as that had never yet come under the King’s notice, and he said, „When thou comest to the royal table thou must take thy hat off.“ He answered, „Ah, Lord, I cannot. I have a bad sore place on my head.“ Then the King had the cook called before him and scolded him, and asked how he could take such a boy as that into his service; and that he was to turn him off at once. The cook, however, had pity on him, and exchanged him for the gardener’s boy.

And now the boy had to plant and water the garden, hoe and dig, and bear the wind and bad weather. Once in summer when he was working alone in the garden, the day was so warm he took his little cap off that the air might cool him. As the sun shone on his hair it glittered and flashed so that the rays fell into the bed-room of the King’s daughter, and up she sprang to see what that could be. Then she saw the boy, and cried to him, „Boy, bring me a wreath of flowers.“ He put his cap on with all haste, and gathered wild field-flowers and bound them together. When he was ascending the stairs with them, the gardener met him, and said, „How canst thou take the King’s daughter a garland of such common flowers?

Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)

Go quickly, and get another, and seek out the prettiest and rarest.“ – „Oh, no,“ replied the boy, „the wild ones have more scent, and will please her better.“ When he got into the room, the King’s daughter said, „Take thy cap off, it is not seemly to keep it on in my presence.“ He again said, „I may not, I have a sore head.“ She, however, caught at his cap and pulled it off, and then his golden hair rolled down on his shoulders, and it was splendid to behold. He wanted to run out, but she held him by the arm, and gave him a handful of ducats. With these he departed, but he cared nothing for the gold pieces. He took them to the gardener, and said, „I present them to thy children, they can play with them.“ The following day the King’s daughter again called to him that he was to bring her a wreath of field-flowers, and when he went in with it, she instantly snatched at his cap, and wanted to take it away from him, but he held it fast with both hands. She again gave him a handful of ducats, but he would not keep them, and gave them to the gardener for playthings for his children. On the third day things went just the same. She could not get his cap away from him, and he would not have her money.

Not long afterwards, the country was overrun by war. The King gathered together his people, and did not know whether or not he could offer any opposition to the enemy, who was superior in strength and had a mighty army. Then said the gardener’s boy, „I am grown up, and will go to the wars also, only give me a horse.“ The others laughed, and said, „Seek one for thyself when we are gone, we will leave one behind us in the stable for thee.“ When they had gone forth, he went into the stable, and got the horse out. It was lame of one foot, and limped hobblety jig, hobblety jig; nevertheless he mounted it, and rode away to the dark forest. When he came to the outskirts, he called „Iron John,“ three times so loudly that it echoed through the trees. Thereupon the wild man appeared immediately, and said, „What dost thou desire?“ – „I want a strong steed, for I am going to the wars.“ – „That thou shalt have, and still more than thou askest for.“ Then the wild man went back into the forest, and it was not long before a stable-boy came out of it, who led a horse that snorted with its nostrils, and could hardly be restrained, and behind them followed a great troop of soldiers entirely equipped in iron, and their swords flashed in the sun. The youth made over his three-legged horse to the stable-boy, mounted the other, and rode at the head of the soldiers. When he got near the battle-field a great part of the King’s men had already fallen, and little was wanting to make the rest give way. Then the youth galloped thither with his iron soldiers, broke like a hurricane over the enemy, and beat down all who opposed him. They began to fly, but the youth pursued, and never stopped, until there was not a single man left.

Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)

Instead, however, of returning to the King, he conducted his troop by bye-ways back to the forest, and called forth Iron John. „What dost thou desire?“ asked the wild man. „Take back thy horse and thy troops, and give me my three-legged horse again.“ All that he asked was done, and soon he was riding on his three-legged horse. When the King returned to his palace, his daughter went to meet him, and wished him joy of his victory. „I am not the one who carried away the victory,“ said he, „but a stranger knight who came to my assistance with his soldiers.“ The daughter wanted to hear who the strange knight was, but the King did not know, and said, „He followed the enemy, and I did not see him again.“ She inquired of the gardener where his boy was, but he smiled, and said, „He has just come home on his three-legged horse, and the others have been mocking him, and crying, „Here comes our hobblety jig back again!“ They asked, too, „Under what hedge hast thou been lying sleeping all the time?“ He, however, said, „I did the best of all, and it would have gone badly without me.“ And then he was still more ridiculed.“

The King said to his daughter, „I will proclaim a great feast that shall last for three days, and thou shalt throw a golden apple. Perhaps the unknown will come to it.“ When the feast was announced, the youth went out to the forest, and called Iron John. „What dost thou desire?“ asked he. „That I may catch the King’s daughter’s golden apple.“ – „It is as safe as if thou hadst it already,“ said Iron John. „Thou shalt likewise have a suit of red armour for the occasion, and ride on a spirited chestnut-horse.“ When the day came, the youth galloped to the spot, took his place amongst the knights, and was recognized by no one. The King’s daughter came forward, and threw a golden apple to the knights, but none of them caught it but he, only as soon as he had it he galloped away.

On the second day Iron John equipped him as a white knight, and gave him a white horse. Again he was the only one who caught the apple, and he did not linger an instant, but galloped off with it. The King grew angry, and said, „That is not allowed. He must appear before me and tell his name.“ He gave the order that if the knight who caught the apple, should go away again they should pursue him, and if he would not come back willingly, they were to cut him down and stab him.

On the third day, he received from Iron John a suit of black armour and a black horse, and again he caught the apple.

Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)

But when he was riding off with it, the King’s attendants pursued him, and one of them got so near him that he wounded the youth’s leg with the point of his sword. The youth nevertheless escaped from them, but his horse leapt so violently that the helmet fell from the youth’s head, and they could see that he had golden hair. They rode back and announced this to the King.

The following day the King’s daughter asked the gardener about his boy. „He is at work in the garden. The queer creature has been at the festival too, and only came home yesterday evening. He has likewise shown my children three golden apples which he has won.“

The King had him summoned into his presence, and he came and again had his little cap on his head. But the King’s daughter went up to him and took it off, and then his golden hair fell down over his shoulders, and he was so handsome that all were amazed. „Art thou the knight who came every day to the festival, always in different colours, and who caught the three golden apples?“ asked the King. „Yes,“ answered he, „and here the apples are,“ and he took them out of his pocket, and returned them to the King. „If you desire further proof, you may see the wound which your people gave me when they followed me. But I am likewise the knight who helped you to your victory over your enemies.“ – „If thou canst perform such deeds as that, thou art no gardener’s boy; tell me, who is thy father?“ – „My father is a mighty King, and gold have I in plenty as great as I require.“ – „I well see,“ said the King, „that I owe thanks to thee; can I do anything to please thee?“ – „Yes,“ answered he, „that indeed you can. Give me your daughter to wife.“ The maiden laughed, and said, „He does not stand much on ceremony, but I have already seen by his golden hair that he was no gardener’s boy,“ and then she went and kissed him. His father and mother came to the wedding, and were in great delight, for they had given up all hope of ever seeing their dear son again. And as they were sitting at the marriage-feast, the music suddenly stopped, the doors opened, and a stately King came in with a great retinue. He went up to the youth, embraced him and said, „I am Iron John, and was by enchantment a wild man, but thou hast set me free; all the treasures which I possess, shall be thy property.“

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „Iron John“

„Iron John,“ also known as „Iron Hans,“ is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm in their anthology „Children’s and Household Tales“ (1812). It is numbered as tale 136. This story explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation, making it a classic coming-of-age tale.

The story begins with a wild man, Iron John, who is captured by a king and locked in a cage in his castle courtyard. One day, the young prince of the kingdom accidentally frees Iron John, who then escapes into the forest. The prince, fearing punishment from his father, decides to follow Iron John into the woods. Iron John agrees to take the boy under his wing and sets him to work in his secret garden.

Iron John warns the prince not to touch a specific well in the garden. However, curiosity gets the better of the prince, and he accidentally turns his hair to gold by touching the forbidden well. Iron John then sends the boy away, telling him that he can only return when he finds a means to restore his hair to its original color.

The prince embarks on a series of adventures, during which he gains wealth and wisdom, ultimately winning the love of a princess. In the end, he learns that Iron John is under a curse, and by breaking the curse, the prince restores his own hair color and frees Iron John from his wild man form.

The background of „Iron John“ is rooted in its exploration of personal growth and transformation. The story contains several elements common to European fairy tales, such as magical transformations, tests of character, and the search for personal identity. The tale likely served as a way to impart moral lessons and life skills to young people, encouraging them to persevere, learn from their mistakes, and grow into responsible adults. In addition, the tale has been subject to numerous psychological and mythological interpretations, including those that focus on the wild man as an archetypal figure representing the untamed, masculine aspects of the human psyche.

Interpretations to fairy tale „Iron John“

„Iron John“ is a rich and complex fairy tale that lends itself to various interpretations. Here are a few key themes and interpretations of the story:

Coming of age: The story follows the prince’s journey from a naive and curious boy to a wise and mature adult. Through his encounters with Iron John and the challenges he faces, the prince learns important life lessons and gains valuable experiences, reflecting a classic coming-of-age narrative.

The mentor figure: Iron John serves as a mentor to the young prince, guiding him through various trials and offering wisdom. This theme highlights the importance of having a mentor or guide in one’s life to facilitate growth and transformation.

Confronting the shadow self: The wild man, Iron John, can be seen as a representation of the prince’s shadow self – the untamed, unconscious aspects of his personality. By engaging with Iron John, the prince learns to confront and integrate these aspects into his conscious self, allowing him to grow and evolve as a person.

The hero’s journey: The tale of Iron John aligns with the classic hero’s journey, as described by Joseph Campbell in „The Hero with a Thousand Faces.“ The prince embarks on an adventure, faces various trials and challenges, and eventually returns home, transformed and victorious.

Masculinity and initiation: „Iron John“ has been interpreted as a story about masculinity and initiation rites. In the 1990s, the tale gained popularity in the mythopoetic men’s movement, and it served as the basis for Robert Bly’s book „Iron John: A Book About Men.“ In this interpretation, the story is seen as a metaphor for the process of boys transitioning into manhood and learning to embrace their innate masculine qualities.

Transformation and redemption: The story explores the themes of transformation and redemption, both for the prince and Iron John. By breaking the curse and freeing Iron John from his wild man form, the prince not only redeems himself but also helps Iron John regain his true identity.

„Iron John“ offers a rich tapestry of themes and interpretations, making it a versatile and engaging fairy tale that can be understood on multiple levels. The story’s emphasis on personal growth, mentorship, and self-discovery has resonated with readers and listeners for generations.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „Iron John“

„Iron John“ has inspired various adaptations and reinterpretations in different forms of media, ranging from books to theater and film. Here are some specific examples:

„Iron John: A Book About Men“ (1990) by Robert Bly: This influential book uses the story of Iron John as a framework to discuss modern masculinity and the challenges faced by men in contemporary society. Bly’s interpretation delves into the mythological and psychological aspects of the tale, leading to a resurgence of interest in the story.

„Iron Hans“ (2001) by Steven T. Seagle and Tim Sale: This graphic novel adaptation is part of the „Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde“ series. It retells the story of Iron John in a modern comic book format, with vivid illustrations and updated language, making the story accessible to a new generation of readers.

„Iron Hans“ (2015) directed by Hayo Freitag: A German animated film that adapts the classic story of Iron John into a feature-length movie. The film retains the core themes of personal growth and self-discovery while adding new elements to the story, such as additional characters and adventures.

Theatre adaptations: „Iron John“ has been adapted into various stage plays and performances. For example, in 2017, the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago presented a production titled „The Steadfast Tin Soldier: A Christmas Pantomime,“ which incorporated elements from „Iron John“ as well as other classic fairy tales.

Music: The story of Iron John has also inspired musical compositions, such as „Iron John: An American Ghost Story“ (1999) by American composer Daniel Steven Crafts. This operatic adaptation brings the story of Iron John to life through a blend of music and narrative.

These adaptations demonstrate the enduring appeal of „Iron John“ and its themes of personal growth, mentorship, and self-discovery. The story continues to resonate with audiences, inspiring creative reinterpretations across various forms of media.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „Iron John“

The fairy tale „Iron John“ from the Brothers Grimm has inspired a number of adaptations in various forms of media. Here are a few notable examples:

„The Wild Man“ (1928): This silent film directed by Dimitri Buchowetzki is based on the „Iron John“ fairy tale. It stars Victor McLaglen as the wild man and Greta Nissen as the princess.

„Iron John“ (1990): This book by Robert Bly is a reinterpretation of the „Iron John“ story from a Jungian perspective. Bly examines the tale’s themes of masculinity and initiation, and argues that it can provide guidance for modern men seeking to find their place in society.

„Iron John“ (1996): This play by Frank McGuinness is a modern retelling of the „Iron John“ story. It premiered at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, and explores the themes of identity, power, and gender.

„The Iron Giant“ (1999): This animated film directed by Brad Bird is loosely based on the „Iron John“ fairy tale. It tells the story of a giant robot who crash-lands on Earth and befriends a young boy. The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and the dangers of militarization.

„Once Upon a Time“ (2011-2018): This television series features an adaptation of the „Iron John“ story in its second season. In the show, the character of Rumpelstiltskin is revealed to be the wild man, and his backstory is explored in depth.

These are just a few examples of the many adaptations of the „Iron John“ story that have been created over the years. The enduring popularity of the tale is a testament to its universal themes and timeless appeal.

Summary of the plot

„Iron John“ is a Brothers Grimm fairy tale that tells the story of a young prince’s journey to maturity with the help of a wild man named Iron John.

The tale begins when a king captures Iron John, a mysterious wild man, and locks him in a cage. One day, the young prince accidentally frees Iron John, who then escapes into the forest. Fearing his father’s wrath, the prince follows Iron John and asks for his protection.

Iron John agrees to take the prince under his wing and sets him to work in his secret garden. He warns the prince not to touch a particular well. However, curiosity gets the better of the prince, and he accidentally turns his hair to gold after touching the forbidden well. Iron John sends the prince away, telling him he can only return when he finds a way to restore his hair to its original color.

The prince embarks on a series of adventures, during which he gains wealth and wisdom, and wins the love of a princess. Eventually, he learns that Iron John is under a curse. By breaking the curse, the prince not only restores his hair color but also frees Iron John from his wild man form, revealing him to be a powerful, noble figure.

„Iron John“ is a classic coming-of-age tale that explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation, as the young prince learns valuable life lessons through his journey and his relationship with the enigmatic Iron John.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „Iron John“

„Iron John“ (also known as „Iron Hans“) is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm in their book „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales,“ first published in 1812. The story has its origins in European folktales and is part of a rich oral tradition that was passed down through generations before being recorded by the Grimm brothers.

The story begins with a king who sends a huntsman into a forest, where a mysterious wild man with hair and body covered in iron-like hair is captured. The wild man, Iron John, is brought back to the castle and imprisoned in a cage. One day, a young prince comes across Iron John’s cage and accidentally releases him. Fearing punishment from his father, the prince runs away with Iron John, who takes the boy under his wing and provides him with a safe haven deep within the forest.

The tale follows the young prince’s journey to maturity as he experiences various trials and tribulations under Iron John’s guidance. Along the way, he learns important life lessons and becomes self-reliant and resourceful. Eventually, the prince falls in love with a princess and must complete three seemingly impossible tasks to win her hand in marriage. With Iron John’s help, the prince accomplishes the tasks and breaks the enchantment that had turned Iron John into a wild man. In the end, the prince and princess marry, and the prince’s relationship with Iron John is revealed, reuniting him with his family.

„Iron John“ has been interpreted and analyzed by many scholars and authors, such as psychologist and poet Robert Bly, who used the tale as the foundation for his book „Iron John: A Book About Men.“ This book was instrumental in the mythopoetic men’s movement of the early 1990s, which sought to redefine modern masculinity and men’s connection to their inner selves. The story continues to be an important literary work, as its themes of self-discovery, maturity, and the transformative power of love and connection resonate with readers across generations.

Interpretations to fairy tale „Iron John“

„Iron John“ is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm that has various interpretations. One of the most common interpretations is that the story is a parable about a boy maturing into adulthood. This coming-of-age narrative follows the young prince’s journey to self-discovery, independence, and personal growth as he encounters challenges and learns valuable life lessons.

Another interpretation is related to the mythopoetic men’s movement of the early 1990s, which was inspired by Robert Bly’s book „Iron John: A Book About Men.“ The story serves as an allegory for men rediscovering their masculinity and reconnecting with their inner wildness. The character of Iron John represents the wild, untamed aspects of masculinity that are essential for personal growth and development. The prince’s journey symbolizes the process of embracing these aspects and integrating them into one’s identity.

Some interpretations focus on the transformative power of love and human connection. The prince’s relationship with Iron John helps him break free from societal constraints and find his true self. In turn, the prince’s pure heart and actions help break the enchantment on Iron John, transforming him back into his true form. This mutual transformation underscores the idea that love, compassion, and human connection can bring out the best in people and help them overcome challenges.

The story can also be seen as a commentary on the human-nature relationship. Iron John is a wild man living in harmony with nature, while the prince comes from a more civilized background. By spending time with Iron John and experiencing the challenges of the natural world, the prince learns valuable life lessons and develops a deeper connection with nature. This connection allows him to find his true identity and purpose, suggesting the importance of reconnecting with nature in the face of an increasingly industrialized and artificial world.

Ultimately, „Iron John“ is a rich and complex story that can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the reader’s perspective and interests. Its themes of personal growth, masculinity, love, and human-nature relationships continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless and powerful tale.

Summary of the plot

„Iron John,“ a German fairy tale found in the Brothers Grimm’s collection, is a story about a prince and a wild man with iron-like skin named Iron John. The tale begins with the king declaring a forest off-limits after a huntsman and several others go missing. A wandering explorer, however, asks for permission to enter the forest, discovering a lake where a large, wild man with iron-like skin dwells. The wild man is captured and locked in a cage in the king’s courtyard.

Years later, the young prince accidentally rolls his ball into the cage, and Iron John agrees to return it only if the prince sets him free. The prince steals the key from under his mother’s pillow and releases Iron John. Fearing punishment, the prince flees with Iron John to the forest.

Iron John is a powerful being who guards many treasures. He puts the prince in charge of watching his well, but the prince disobeys, playing in the well and turning his hair to gold. Iron John sends the prince away to experience poverty and struggle but offers help if the prince calls his name three times.

The prince travels to a distant kingdom, serves its king, and fights in a war with the help of Iron John. After proving himself in battle and winning the heart of a princess, the prince is happily reunited with his parents. Iron John attends the wedding, revealing he had been under enchantment until someone pure of heart set him free. The tale is classified as Aarne–Thompson type 502, „The Wild Man as Helper,“ and is seen as a parable about a boy maturing into adulthood.

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